Study: Biomass Plant Would Have No Measurable Health Effects

<p><em><a href="mailto:allenre@interlochen.org">By Bob Allen</a></em></p> <p>A new study says there would be no measurable health effects from a wood burning biomass plant in Traverse City.</p> <p>The city's utility board set aside plans to pursue biomass last month because of public opposition. But it already had contracted with the engineering firm MACTEC to do the health analysis.</p> <p>The study is based on a small wood gasification plant at the University of South Carolina.</p> <p>Karen Feahr, energy supply manager for Traverse City Light & Power, says a local plant would be modeled on the one in the study.</p> <p>"This one that was modeled for us is much lower than would be allowed by the EPA, much lower emissions. And, so, it would have no health effects," she says.</p> <p>Of special concern are small particles that can cause problems especially for those with heart and lung disease.</p> <p>Feahr says the study looked at current levels of those particles, and what a small biomass plant would add.</p> <p>"This new plant would have such a small effect, compared to what already is in the atmosphere," she says. </p> <p>Manufacturing plants and diesel trucks also add particulate matter to the air.</p> <p>Opponents of biomass say new studies for national health  associations show there is no safe level of these small particles. </p> <p>Researchers from MACTEC will discuss their findings with the utility board tonight.</p>