Giving up on answering
Dr. Sammons latest,
Brad Lofton resorts to the xenophobia card.
-jsq
From: Brad Lofton
Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2011 15:07:16 -0500
Cc: [Dr. Noll, Kay Harris, jsq, lhenderson, hopeforcleanwater]
To: “Bill” [Sammons, Leigh Touchton], aricketts@industrialauthority.com
Subject: Re: Background information on Dr. Christopher Teaf
Thanks again for your e-mail Dr. Sammons. As we have said multiple
times now, we are satisfied with the safety of this plant, the numerous
experts that have approved it, and the due diligence we have done. You
can continue to send ten e-mails a day, yet our position remains the
same. I hope the weather is nice today in Massachusetts.
Cc: [Dr. Noll, Kay Harris, jsq, lhenderson, hopeforcleanwater]
To: blofton@industrialauthority.com, leigh.touchton@gmail.com,
aricketts@industrialauthority.com, [Roy Copeland, Mary Gooding]
Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2011 14:44:54 -0500
Subject: Re: Background information on Dr. Christopher Teaf
Dear Mr. Lofton:
Having talked with many different people in different departments
in multiple state governments I do not think that any of them
would suggest that granting a permit is the same as “do nothing but
evaluate the safety of these projects”. When asked they all say the are
following the guidelines set out by EPA/state regulations– they are
not evaluating the safety of each project. Many will admit in private
that the regulations/guidelines are not up to date with science, but
the people in the permitting agencies do not have the authority to grant
the permit based on the best available science/data. It’s not dissimilar
to discussions of BACT– depending on the size of the stationary source
not all BACT is the same.
As an example if you look at the EPA regulations on PM 2.5
Sidestepping
Leigh Touchton’s email,
Brad Lofton backs off on Dr. Teaf and forgets how to count.
-jsq
From: blofton@industrialauthority.com
To: Leigh Touchton, aricketts@industrialauthority.com,
Copeland, Roy, [Mary Gooding]
Cc: Bill [Sammmons, Dr. Noll, Kay Harris, jsq, lhenderson, hopeforcleanwater]
Date: Sun, Jan 23, 2011 9:03 am
Subject: Re: Background information on Dr. Christopher Teaf
Thank you for your e-mail Ms. Touchton. Dr. Teaf’s credentials clearly
speak for themselves, but as you know, he is only one expert that
has provided guidance. His expert opinion is in the overwhelming
majority. The state
EPD also employs toxicologists and experts that do nothing but evaluate
the safety of these projects. The federal EPA does the same. Both
groups support biomass and have provided their blessing. This project
was also reviewed by experts from VSU, GA Tech, and UGA. It also has
been reviewed and blessed by the Obama administration, federal agencies
that employ hundreds of experts, the state of GA, Lowndes County, and literally
countless environmental groups and experts. There is no doubt about the safety
of the three existing biomass plants in Lowndes nor another one.
This issue has long since been resolved and the permits have all been
approved and are in place at this time.
Subject: Background information on Dr. Christopher Teaf
From: Leigh Touchton
To: Brad Lofton <blofton@industrialauthority.com>,
aricketts@industrialauthority.com,
[Roy Copeland, Mary Gooding]
Cc: [Sammons, Noll, Kay Harris, jsq, lhenderson, hopeforcleanwater]
To Industrial Authority Board:
In regards to the email correspondence from VLCIA Executive Director Brad
Lofton concerning Dr. Christopher Teaf, I spent about ten minutes on the
internet researching Dr. Christopher Teaf’s numerous paid endorsements
around the country for various chemicals. This article
was compelling. Dr. Teaf is on public record endorsing the safety of
arsenic in wood as posing no health threats to children (or adults).
Numerous lawsuits around the country were adjudicated against his “expert
findings” and subsequently the EPA banned CCA (arsenic) treated wood in
playground equipment because of the health hazards to children.
I only spent about ten minutes, but I uncovered much information re:
I’m not an environmental engineer, so I would refer you to the hundreds
of environmental groups supporting our project, the federal EPA, the state
EPD
(not sure how it works in Mass, but these are the groups in GA that are
given legal authority to permit and regulate power plants, and after a
lengthy review, they have approved this project enthusiastically and
certified its safety for GA), all the federal agencies, the FL Dept of
Health, Dr. Chris Teaf, an expert toxicologist, and others. It’s not my
opinion that counts regarding the absence of =93TONS=94 of dioxin and mercury
emissions you claim in your attempt to scare our community as you duck in
and out. I’m actually quoting experts. Dr. Teaf’s testimony is on our
site, plus the EPD permit, Golder analysis, etc. There’s plenty of
additional info there as well for your enjoyment. You are welcome to
continue e-mailing my staff, but rest assured, we are moving forward at this
time.
To: blofton@industrialauthority.com; aricketts@industrialauthority.com
Cc: mgnoll@valdosta.edu; leigh.touchton@gmail.com
Subject: Radio interview
Hi
I just listened to Mr. Lofton’s radio interview. It seemed that he was
indicating there was substantiating documentation on the IA webpage to
support biomass combustion. I could not find it. The videos of the meeting
do not constitute valid information.
Could you send me the url[s] where the information is presented on the web
page please.
I also would like specific documentation that the plant will not produce
dioxin as he asserts in the interview.
“protective apparel, infection control and extended care products in
addition to a line of construction weatherization building products for
the housing market.”
Former VLCIA Executive Director decides based on rants in the VDT
to come say “I trust in you” and
“If it turns out to be wrong, then we live with that.”
“I made a decision that although I’m concerned about a lot of things,
and I’m concerned about anything….
I have to trust those people who are in those positions
will do their homework and make the right decision.
Then I will live with that.
If it turns out to be wrong, then we live with that.
What bothered me was when I started reading in the paper
about the veiled threats.
The personal issues.
…
When I started reading about veiled threats.
When I started reading about people being chastised because
they didn’t accept a brochure or some literature.
You know, that bothered me.
Then when I read one of the rants about it;
they wondered how you folks were chosen.
If you don’t know how these people are chosen….
They ought to do their basic homework.
But I’m here tonight to say that:
I’ve looked at it; I’ve researched it; I don’t always agree
with all the things the authority does… but I trust in you….”
Update 2014-03-31:VDT wrote 3 March 2014 that Garren joined VLCIA after Sterling Chemical came in.
Then he praises Sterling Chemical which came in on his watch,
and while Norman Bennett (currently on the VLCIA)
was Chairman of the County Commission.
See for yourself:
In the current fashion he begins by saying when he first moved here
(1965).
Is that what’s required these days to be worth listening to?
