03-20-2008, 02:43 PM
quote:
Originally posted by james weatherford
Quiz on the Hilo waste-to-energy (WTE) proposal
Test you knowledge to see how well-informed you are.
TRUE or FALSE
1.WTE would emit greenhouse gases. TRUE (CO2 and N2O)
2.WTE would prevent hauling waste from Hilo to Kona. FALSE (ash and 'non-processibles would be landfilled)
3.WTE would emit toxic pollutants. TRUE (dioxin, mercury, lead, cadmium)
4.WTE would lower electricity bills on the island. FALSE (only about 2% of island's electricity can be produced at the WTE and would be purchased by HELCO at 'avoided cost', i.e., the price of oil.
5.WTE would recover metal to be recycled. TRUE (metal dissolves into puddles and is recycled)
6.WTE would reduce 85,000 tons of feedstock to 8,500 tons of ash. FALSE (the tonnage of ash would be about 30% or 25,000 tons, not the 10% of volume that is in the p.r. literature)
7.WTE would compete with recycling for plastic and paper. TRUE (these materials are high BTU for the incinerator and have good recycling markets. To meet the necessary quota and avoid penalty payments, the County would be forced to abandon support of paper and plastic recycling).
8.WTE would cost less to operate than any other alternative. FALSE (Composting the 'organic fraction' -- up to 50% of total, recycling and re-using about 30% will accomplish more and with landfilling the last 20% will cost less).
9.WTE would require the largest debt in County history. TRUE (when the price tag being discussed less than one year ago was $40 million, that would have been the highest debt. Now the price tag is $125 million+)
10.WTE would eliminate the need to have a landfill on the island. FALSE (ash and materials that can not be burned will need to be landfilled).
Each question is worth 10% of total grade.
Passing grade? You decide.
How much do you need to know about WTE to support it or oppose it?
(key to the Quiz and explanation will follow -- no cheating!)
James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park
James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park