Biomass burning threatens forests
Most biomass projects burn many types of fuel that is mixed together. This includes urban wood waste, hog fuel, municipal solid waste, and sewage sludge. When a range of fuels is burned, the smokestack emissions profile changes, making it impossible to know what is actually going to be emitted.
The biomass industry claims it does not burn “whole trees” sometimes saying this is because they will remove the branches and roots before burning. McNiel Photo. Duke Energy has convinced the North Carolina utility to allow it to burn whole trees.
Studies have documented the fuel supply needs and threats to forests from burning an acre of forest in an hour to make “green” electricity.
Environmental Working Group: EWG Clearcut Disaster Report.pdf
In testimony, Packaging Corporation of America says 50 MW biomass incinerator in Rothschild, WI will adversely impact availability and cost of wood biomass, threatening its 100 year old paper mill. PCA Brief Dec 2010.pdf
Save America’s Forests and others Forest Impacts of Biomass Energy.pdf
Biomass Demand: Olympic Penninsula WA WA Olympic Penninsula Forest Biomass Demand.pdf; Massachusetts www.maforests.org/Impacts study by Chris Matera, P.E. and Dr. Ellen Moyer
Forest and Climate Impacts: Dr. Mary Booth DrMary Booth Biomass.pdf; Prof. Moomaw Forests & Climate Bill Moomaw Biomass.pdf
Wood based energy: the Green Lie. Wood Based Energy.pdf
The Biomass Monitor [News]- Vermont Biomass Working Group’s Recommendations Threaten Public Health, Forests, Climate, and Clean Energy Economy [The Biomass Monitor] February 8, 2012
- The Biomass Monitor – February 2012 February 6, 2012
- The Biomass Monitor – January 2012 January 4, 2012
- Forest Die-off and Biomass Power in Texas [The Biomass Monitor] December 22, 2011
