This comment from Dr. Noll came in today on
“Because it would be monitored. -jsq

Because it would be monitored?

Our community could subsequently also “monitor” increases in respiratory
illnesses, cancer rates, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality
rates. Just ask the American Lung Association, the American Cancer
Society, and the American Heart Association.

This is incredible. A city council member who still hides behind an
EPD air permit, and who chooses to ignore the testimony of thousands of
medical professionals throughout the United States. At the same time,
we have a City Council that continues to isolate itself from its citizens
with a policy that undermines open dialogue.

The continued silence of our City Council and Mayor in regard to biomass
is mind-boggling. Haven’t they noticed the developments of the past
couple months? The regular protests? Hundreds and hundreds of signatures
and voices in opposition to biomass? Ashley Paulk’s statement? George
Bennett’s statement? Even a statement, it appears, by Wesley Langdale
who said that biomass is economically not feasible … which is something
WACE stated as far back as October 2010, supported by an article from
the Wall Street journal called “(Bio)Mass Confusion”.

Dr. Mark George once asked all City Council members the following
question: “What is it you still need from us, so that you understand
that biomass is a bad deal”? To my knowledge that question was never
answered.

Last night I shared a letter from a local physician

with the City Council
and our Mayor. We already received this letter in January, yet decided
not share it due to the intense political pressures at the time, to
protect the individual from possible repercussions. It is time, though,
that our community gets to know another courageous voice:

“I am opposed to the construction of the proposed Biomass plant in
Lowndes County. The plant has many potential health concerns. This plant
would release chemicals and particles into the air that would affect the
respiratory health for the citizens in our community. Those most affected
would be our children, the elderly and those suffering from lung disease,
such as emphysema and asthma.

The long term health effects could be substantial: increased asthma
attacks, cardiovascular harm and shortened life expectancy. This would
result in increased physician and emergency room visits, adding to the
burden of the already substantial health care costs in our state.”

Craig Bishop, D.O. (January 17, 2011)

-Michael Noll