In fact, it will continue tomorrow. Even though the Port Commissioners decided not to discuss the ADAGE Advisory Ballot until tomorrow, June 23, it was discussed rather extensively at the workshop today. There were 40-50 people in attendance and emotions were high as usual. Commissioner Hupp said they were considering a survey instead of a ballot. When asked where the idea of a survey came from, nobody seemed to know. As if it came out of thin air (ADAGE?).
The Executive Director, John Dodson, said he no longer has a financial interest in Duke Energy, but DID NOT respond to whether he has/had a financial interest in any other affiliate of ADAGE. Commissioner Hupp stated he has full confidence in the Executive Director. With respect to the water rights on Johns Prairie, it was stated that if the Port is forced to draw down to their actual water rights, every business will be put out of business. They will try to negotiate the requirements. The Executive Director reported that a little more than $9,600 has been spent on ADAGE and $18,000 has been received from ADAGE since the Port began working with ADAGE, which seems to be, oh, 45 days before the Access (or Use, I didn't catch which) Agreement was signed in November of 2009. The bundles stacked on Port property are there to see how moisture is handled during the winter and how high to stack the bundles to determine the concrete space that will be required. I asked if anyone had seen any drawings of this $250 million project. Dodson said he had seen conceptual drawings, but nothing final. It would seem there would be quite a bit of planning for such a large project.
I don't know about you, but I'm getting confused about what is really going on. I do, however, appreciate that the Port allows public exchange with them, regardless of the level of actual information exchange. One thing I do know, though, is that the people want an advisory vote. Even though their minds aren't made up, the Commissioners say they will decide tomorrow. We'll see how it goes.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
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Brenda,
ReplyDeleteI think that issue about the water rights should be capitalized upon. It could be a key element to stop this project.
Commissioner Hupp said that one reason for his preference for a survey was time. He explained that if we waited until November for the citizens to vote on this, it would give the opponents too much time to make the voters biased against Adage. This, from the man who hasn't decided.
ReplyDeleteMy translation of this unadulterated BS is that Adage is afraid more and more citizens are learning the facts and turning against the incinerator. The idea for a survey apparently arrived via miraculous conception.
I think Mr. Hupp has been thinking about water rights for this since at least 2005. There is a 2006 video of him talking about water rights in relation to co-generating biomass plants. Just google for Jay Hupp, it comes up number 1.
ReplyDeleteI have read great a few articles in the Gadsden County Times where Adage had tried to build a plant, very interesting the parallels with Mason County. They show that Adage used the same figures and increased job projections when they meet resistance (they are doing that here now). Does anyone know who wrote the research that the state is using to promote "healthy forests" in this push for biomass? I saw the same report mentioned in Florida.
ReplyDeleteAt yesterdays Port meeting Jay Hupp made some comment about Sims Vibration Laboratory and their growth of jobs at the Port. Started out as 6 and is now many times that amount - like over a hundred I think he said? Reminded me of the Fungi Perfecti and their potential increase in jobs (oh my have you seen their catalog!). What hit me with Commissioner Hupps statement is why would the Port ever risk losing these real growth companies for the sake of a company gobbling up 100 acres - with only 24 jobs. The twisted logic is mind contorting. How many growth companies could you put on 100 acres? One heck of a lot more than 24 - and that 24 will never increase!
ReplyDeleteSteve
These folks http://www.ruraltech.org/video/2006/bioenergy_forum/ a combo of the DNR and the U of W seem to have writtin the research.
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