This month's meeting had one major environmental concern, but before getting into that, we can reflect on how ideas about the proper role of government have affected history.
Can you identify the 20th century political figure who made this quote?
This Quote was made in the early 1930's during F.D. Roosevelt's first term as president. Think about the quote, decide if you agree or disagree, and then use your mouse to highlight the yellow box to read the name and political party of the political figure who made the quote. Here it is:
I am very interested in social developments in America. I believe that President Roosevelt has chosen the right path. We are dealing with the largest economic and social problems of all time. The many millions must get their jobs back, and this cannot be left to private initiative. It is the government that must tackle the problem.
[ ] agree [ ] disagree
Joseph Goebbels: Minister of Propaganda for the National Socialist German Workers Party.
Use your mouse to highlight the yellow box.
(source BBC documentary "The Century of the Self" )
Never trust those who denigrate the private sector.
Never trust those who propose government growth and control as a solution to your problems.
Never trust those who applaud anyone involved in steps 1 or 2.
March 2008 Regular Meeting:
The biggest issue is that Lehigh Cement has made application with DEP for a permit to burn sewage sludge (often referred to as bio-solids) They have already test burned this alternate fuel. The Lehigh Cement plant has had process control problems, as we state in our letter this gives the supervisors cause for concern. Berks County is now aware of this issue, and Commissioner Leinbach informed us that the county is spending money on an air quality study. The following is the text of the letter that was approved at the meeting, and will be sent to PA DEP as well as our state legislators, the governor, and local governments that have customers of the Reading Water Authority.
Letter (from Maidencreek Supervisors to PA DEP)
The Maidencreek Board of Supervisors recognizes that the disposal of sewage sludge is an issue facing many municipalities. We also recognize that burning dried bio-solids (DBS) as an alternate fuel may be an attractive alternative to land application or land fill.
However, the Maidencreek Board of Supervisors has concerns with regards to heavy metals and dioxins that can be released should the burning process not be properly controlled with regard to temperature, and scrubbing. Furthermore, Maidencreek Board of Supervisors is concerned about the current lack of effective monitoring in place by state agencies to protect the public in this regard.
We have been advised that the Lehigh Cement Plant at Evansville in Maidencreek Township is proposing to use dried bio-solids as fuel in its kiln operation. If this is permitted, it will be the first site in Pennsylvania to burn DBS. The Evansville Plant of Lehigh Cement has a recent history of process control issues that caused several uncontrolled releases of particulates into the surrounding community.
Lake Ontelaunee, the largest municipal water source in the county, is situated next to the Evansville Plant. Lake Ontelaunee's water serves more than 81,000 Berks County residents.
The Maidencreek Township Board of Supervisors is concerned that it is imprudent to place a pilot program for the process of burning DBS so close to such an important water resource, especially where adequate regulatory resources may not be in place to provide proper oversight in a way that can guarantee the safety of the citizens of the Township, given the large population base living in relatively close proximity to this facility.
The Maidencreek Township Board of Supervisors requests that DEP hold public hearings to apprise elected officials and concerned members of the community as to the process controls contemplated to assure that there is no release of dioxins, heavy metals or other agents that pose a risk to the health and welfare of residents of the Township and the users of the Lake Ontelaunee water shed and its resources.
Sincerely,
Claude Beaver
Joseph E. Ruddrow, III
Roy Timpe
On a related issue, the board adopted a resolution in support of East Brunswick township's (Schuylkill County) effort to control the land application of sewage sludge. East Brunswick township's ordinance went further than Maidencreek's ordinance, and they are in a legal battle that includes the PA Attorney General asserting that the land application of sewage is a right to farm issue. As we state in our letter to DEP, I feel that the burning of sewage sludge as an alternate fuel is likely the best way to dispose of it.
Free Book Offer:
Demand has caused me to order another case of books. I have copies of the Fredrick Bastiat book “The Law” available to Maidencreek residents. Email me if you want one.
Paid for by Roy Timpe