Letter to the Editor

Biomass - The Inevitable Impacts

The risks associated with the location of the proposed biomass plant in Sioux Lookout near our health care center, three of our schools and a large portion of our residential area should be of great concern for many of our citizens. 

Burning wood biomass emits as much, if not more, air pollution than burning fossil fuels - particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, mercury and other hazardous air pollutants. The American Heart Association and the American Lung Association have called this a danger to public health, produces respiratory illness, heart disease, cancer and developmental delays in children. 

Depletion and deforestation of our natural forest, acidification of our fresh water lakes, unrepairable damage to wildlife and bio diversity should be a real concern. 

This project must require an environmental assessment on the health and welfare on human wellbeing and impacts on our forest and wildlife, and also an LCCA (Life Cycle Cost Analysis) on the proposed biomass plant in Sioux Lookout. If you have any concerns with this project, now would a good time to contact our Mayor and Council members.

Remi Lorteau