Letter to the Editor: More Opposition to the Proposed Biomass Plant in Lithonia

The following letter was written by Lithonia resident Dr. Jewel Crawford, Chair, Citizens for a Healthy And Safe Environment (C.H.A.S.E.). The letter was submitted by Gina Smith Mangham of the East DeKalb Community Coalition:

The proposed building of the biomass gasification plant in Lithonia is still “on the table” despite strong objections from neighborhood residents and a pending lawsuit against the County Commissioners for granting the land use permit to Green Energy Partners.  By polluting the air with tons of emissions, this facility will put our health at risk, especially residents with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
The plant will emit tons of hazardous air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide and formaldehyde that are known to cause cancer and birth defects.  A number of studies have shown that emissions released from the burning of wood and diesel fumes from trucks delivering the wood, will also trigger asthma attacks and “set off” other respiratory ailments.  This is especially true for children and the elderly.  Research has shown that these facilities do not produce very much energy but are nevertheless money makers for the owners.  Moreover, the Lithonia community has notoriously been subjected to polluted air, and even fails to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) health standards.
The community will have an opportunity to express their concerns to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division who have the power to grant or deny a permit to operate this facility.  The Hearing will take place at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road in Lithonia at 6:30 on Tuesday, December 18th.  Let’s not wait until we are wheezing and coughing.   The time is now to make our voices heard and protect our health!

See also: Public Meeting Dec.18 on Proposed Biomass Gasification Plant

Letter to the Editor:Former Lithonia Mayor Opposes Biomass Plant