Date: Wed, 21 Feb 2001 21:58:44 -0800
Subject: B.C Hydro Generation Project
Sir:
Like many others, I received today
[Wednesday] in my mailbox a circular which described the progression of the
gas-generation project in the Alberni Valley. I have what I believe to be
some pertinent questions to put to B.C. Hydro.
I would dispute their apparently confident assertion that "natural
gas----is the best solution at this time". I think the public should be
aware that at least one B.C. company producing alternative power-generating
plant has placed a direct challenge before Hydro to debate the relative
efficiency of their product against ANY method of generation presently used
by B.C. Hydro. This company makes used of power inherent in the oceans and
coastal currents abundant on the B.C coast; I will not name them for fear of
being accused of "advertising", but a short search on the 'net
under "energy alternatives" will reveal all. B.C. Hydro has, to
date [as far as I know] ignored the invite to debate, so how can they so
confidently state that gas is the "best solution at this time"?
It has to be conceded that natural gas IS the "cleanest" of the
fossil fuels---but that places it a long way short of the ideal as far as
effects on health and environment are concerned. Any form of combustion must
produce carbon dioxide, and in this natural gas is no better than any other
fossil fuel. In the matter of producing prodigious quantities of water
vapour it is worse than most.
Independent university-based U.K. scientists have warned that even the
use of natural gas in the home can have adverse health effects on
susceptible users if appropriate precautions are not taken. Very fine
particulate matter is the culprit in this, and is a minute quantity compared
with emission from the generating plant itself.
So, while nobody can deny that natural gas is the
"best of a bad lot" where fossil fuels are concerned, it still is
a member of the bad lot. It is my opinion that the public should exercise
extreme caution when considering this option, and perhaps conclude that if
there is no vehement opposition to the continued--and increasing---use of
fossil fuels, then the incentive for governments and energy corporations to
bring forward and encourage alternatives will never be strong enough to
bring desperately needed change.
Bobby Rogerson
Site 316/RR#3/C.31
Port Alberni
Tel. 723 5340
