LAST NITE'S WOOLWICH BIO-EN MEETING

Firstly let me clarify yesterday's posting which asked whether the recent World Trade Organization decision rejecting Canada's appeal of a ruling against Ontario for insisting on local content for suppliers to renewable energy contracts could affect Woolwich Bio-En. I was advised last evening that no this ruling is in regards to wind and solar projects not bio-energy ones such as is under construction currently on Martin's Lane in Elmira.

From a distance things may look quiet but apparently to date soil has been moved, conduit laid and some concrete has been poured. Also the excavation for a storm water pond has been completed. Earl Brubacher runs a very calm, sedate and professional meeting and I would describe all participants as conducting themselves accordingly. Gerry Heidiburt did have some concerns around changes in a technical document that appeared to be backing away from a Ministry of the Environment requirement insisting that the flare used to burn off excess biogases have a minimum temperature. The magic number is 850 C and Conestoga Rovers, consultants to Bio-En seemed to feel that temperature was unecessary. Mr. Brubacher explained the background and history in regards to the flare to all assembled. Apparently the vast majority of flares in use whether for landfills, wastewater treatment etc. sucessfully burn off methane gas and more while only monitoring the temperature versus maintaining a minimum. Nevertheless the flare used on Martin's Lane is custom built and capable of indeed maintaining the minimum temperature of 850 C. The actual operating manner including adding natural gas and oxygen to increase the temperature will be up to the M.O.E. not Woolwich Bio-En.

Yours truly asked the question as to whether the Region of Waterloo might approach Woolwich Bio-En to use Biosolids as a fuel in their generation of electricity. Mr. Brubacher certainly gave the impression that this was not on anyone's radar and to date was a non issue. Gerry Heidiburt suggested that Biosolids would not be an optimum fuel and that if so used should not be within many miles of towns or residences.

The next public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday July 9/13 7 pm. presumably again at the Memorial Centre on Snyder Ave..