09/23/11 On Wednesday, September 21st the Marshall County Solid Waste Management District’s Citizen’s Advisory Committee passed a resolution supporting local renewable energy projects. Members said that these projects will help to offset the tremendous amounts of pollution and wastes that are generated through traditional coal-fired power plants. Using wind power and the local coal-fired power plant as an example the annual totals for waste generated stack up as follows:
Waste Generation: Coal Wind
Carbon Dioxide: 21,555,724,000 lbs. 0 lbs.
Sulfur Dioxide: 64,874,000 lbs. 0 lbs.
Nitrogen Oxides: 21,110,000 lbs. 0 lbs.
Hydrochloric Acid: 279,817 lbs. 0 lbs.
Sulfuric Acid: 897,853 lbs. 0 lbs.
Mercury Emissions: 505 lbs. 0 lbs.
Small Particles: 1,000,000 lbs. 0 lbs.
Hydrocarbons: 440,000 lbs. 0 lbs.
Carbon Monoxide: 1,440,000 lbs. 0 lbs.
Arsenic: 225 lbs. 0 lbs.
Lead: 114 lbs. 0 lbs.
Cadmium: 4 lbs. 0 lbs.
Coal Ash: 250,000,000 lbs. 0 lbs.
Sludge: 386,000,000 lbs. 0 lbs.
Water consumption: 11,160,500,000 gallons negligible
These figures do not include wastes or emissions attributed to the mining, transportation, or delivery of coal to the local power plant. Conversely, wind and solar are delivered naturally.
The resolution notes that the police of the Solid Waste Management District is to reduce waste and lessen hazardous waste as set forth in the District’s 20 year waste management plan. It also stated that replacing waste generating fossil fuels with clean, non-polluting renewable energy sources that will benefit the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Marshall County.
As the Citizen’s Advisory Committee they advocate diversifying the local electric energy mix including the establishment and implementation of non-waste generating renewable energy projects.
The Solid Waste Board is also considering a similar resolution or position statement.
