12-10-2007, 03:05 PM
Good stuff here. Let's look under a few rocks...
Yes, Aaron started this thread re the phantom proposal for an incinerator at NELHA. Thanks, Aaron -- and I sincerely mean that.
However, given that the proposed Hilo incinerator may be going to Council funding within a month or two, it will do as a case to look at.
"...reducing the amount of rubbish..."
Absolutely -- this county generates something like 8 to 9 lbs per person per day of stuff to go to the landfill. The state average is about 5 to 6 and the national average is 4 to 5.
"How is burning oil better than burning trash?"
This is not the point -- burning oil is not the limit of our options. The proposed Hilo incinerator would produce 3+MW, about 2% of the electricity now used on this island. Furthermore, because that juice would be generated on the East side where generation already exceeds use, all of it will be sent across the island to where use exceeds generation; and in doing so, lots of it will be lost in the lines.
How much would we save if every light in every house, office, and store on the island was changed from energy-gobbling incadescent bulbs to those that use less energy?
The proper question is: "What would it cost to generate 3+MW from a truly renewable, low maintenace source: solar or mini-hydro (possibly the most underutilized on this island)? Or, even wind (renewable, but with more upkeep than solar or mini-hydro).
Cost: Early numbers were $35-$40 million. Now, talk is about about $100 million or more.
Paying for WTE is a different kind of animal. The upfront construction can be only the start. Like this: 'put or pay' provisions require the County to send a minimum amount of feedstock to be burned, or pay anyway! This is at the heart of how incineration destroys recycling efforts.
As I previously indicated, I have conducted research regarding WTE for the last 2 years and have a lot of detailed info, links, and references. Way too much to post here. Anyone who wants it, contact me: gardengreen@hawaiiantel.net.
James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park