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[Mikro]

Yep, It was just a matter of time. Now they want to go after the manufacture of wood pellets. Soon it will be because we use them to cook meats. Any bets on when charcoal is next?

Sorry folks I am getting a little tired of this. I am too old I guess?

As DEQ considers permits, environmental groups call for halt to wood pellet industry.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/deq-considers-permits-environmental-groups-200722700.html

mk

[02ebz06]

I'm guessing the woman in the article complaining about the trees being cut thinks it's OK to cut them down to build her house.

[Bar-B-Lew]

I'm guessing the woman in the article complaining about the trees being cut thinks it's OK to cut them down to build her house.

Or to make the boxes that her Amazon products arrive at her doorstep in

[Mikro]

I'm guessing the woman in the article complaining about the trees being cut thinks it's OK to cut them down to build her house.

Or to make the boxes that her Amazon products arrive at her doorstep in

Exactly, what are these people thinking?
mk

[Bar-B-Lew]

Pellet pits may be the most environmentally friendly method to cook something.

[SmokinHandyman]

Pellet pits may be the most environmentally friendly method to cook something.

+1

[Mikro]

Pellet pits may be the most environmentally friendly method to cook something.

I agree 100%, but they want the pellets. So without pellets, no cooking.

Oh and they want the meat.

"Where's the beef?" LOL!!

MK

[pmillen]

I don't think there's an immediate threat to the entire wood pellet industry (although, I recognize the obvious slippery slope).

My two take-aways–

(1)  "North Carolina trees chopped down and ground up to replace coal in European power plants."

The opposition questions the advisability of pelletizing North Carolina trees and shipping them to Europe to be burned to generate electricity.  I, too, question that decision.

(2)  "[P]eople who live around the plant need to clear dust off of their windshields any time they come outside."

"[T]he plant could emit eight more tons per year of fine particles that are about a thirtieth the size of a human hair. Those particles, also known as PM2.5, can get deep into a person’s lungs and even into the bloodstream, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, making them ‘the greatest risk to health’ of all particulate matter pollution."

Again, I, too, question if an industry with this environmental impact should be expanded.

 

[Chris__M]

Maybe I am reading a different article, but the thing they seem to be going after is industrial level production to fuel European (and UK) power plants.

It does seem to me that - aside from any issues of whether the carbon cost of burning pellets are balanced by new forestation - shipping wood pellets across the Atlantic, from the US to Europe, and then considering them a "carbon-neutral" fuel, is a bit of nonsense.

Anyway, whatever happens in North Carolina, it is all likely to change anyway. EU and UK subsidies are disappearing, and wind/wave/solar is getting cheaper and more significant, and will continue to do so.

[02ebz06]

I don't think there's an immediate threat to the entire wood pellet industry (although, I recognize the obvious slippery slope).

(2)  "[P]eople who live around the plant need to clear dust off of their windshields any time they come outside."

"[T]he plant could emit eight more tons per year of fine particles that are about a thirtieth the size of a human hair. Those particles, also known as PM2.5, can get deep into a person’s lungs and even into the bloodstream, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, making them ‘the greatest risk to health’ of all particulate matter pollution."

First, I don't think the ground up wood is that small.  I've looked at disintegrated pellets and they are rather large pieces of sawdust.
Obviously there would be some fine dust.

Any reputable plant would have dust collection systems in place. Sawdust can cause explosions.
Heck, I have a dust collector for my woodworking tools and an air cleaner that filters any airborne particles.

My 

[pmillen]

Obviously there would be some fine dust.

Heck, I have a dust collector for my woodworking tools and an air cleaner that filters any airborne particles.

I don't doubt that you have an adequate dust collection system, but, apparently, these wood pelletizing plants don't.  Or, are you saying that the statement from Reverend Harding isn't correct?

[02ebz06]

I don't doubt that you have an adequate dust collection system, but, apparently, these wood pelletizing plants don't.  Or, are you saying that the statement from Reverend Harding isn't correct?

As I mentioned, if they are "reputable" plants, they would have dust collection systems in place.
I have no idea if they are reputable or not.
If not, I would think OSHA would have something to say about it if they aren't protecting their employees.
And sawdust in the air is an explosion waiting to happen.
Not saying the people are right or wrong, just saying I'm just very skeptical.

[pmillen]

Not saying the people are right or wrong, just saying I'm just very skeptical.

 

Yeah, I tend to be a constant skeptic.  Although, if I could be objective about myself (I can't be by by definition), I'd probably say that I tend to be more skeptical of big business than any other group.  My Native American friend gave me an Indian name that's based on my unremitting skepticism.  I'm supposed to keep it a secret.

[02ebz06]

Not saying the people are right or wrong, just saying I'm just very skeptical.

 

Yeah, I tend to be a constant skeptic

I'm a glass is 3/4 empty guy. 

[JoeGrilling]

Wood burning fireplaces are on the way out in California.  Those that have them are banned from using them frequently during the winter on "Spare The Air" days.  It's only a matter of time before they go after BBQ grills that burn charcoal or wood.