ADAGE: Response to President LWV Issues

Below is a statement from Tom DePonty of ADAGE in response to the
issues presented to him by Sandra Herndon, LWV President. Some of these
issues have been raised by individuals inclined in favor and some by
those opposed to the incinerator. Some of ADAGE responses are helpful
while many raise further questions and/or lack specific detail.
ADAGE indicates they have agreed to a public forum sponsored by
KMAS (tentative date of Thursday, May 27). Please use this information
to help prepare questions for ADAGE.
These issues should also be addressed by our elected officials,
before they lend support to a project of such major significance. For
those officials who have already voiced support, it is incumbent upon
them to show us in a public forum that they have done their homework and
to explain to us how they have resolved these matters.
We need thorough and complete answers since we who live and work
here in the county--and our children--will bear the consequences of
their actions, on our health and our economy.


April 30, 2010

Subject: Information prepared by ADAGE in regards to inquiry from the League of Women
Voters regarding specific aspects of the ADAGE Mason County biomass project. The issues
raised by the League of Women Voters are in bold, with the ADAGE information below.

1. Effects on the air quality, particulates, etc.

• The ADAGE biomass facility will provide an alternative forest management option
that will reduce the need for the permitted forest management practice of slash pile
burning and allow for the recovery of the energy potential of forest residue left to
decay in the forest.
• ADAGE is employing advanced emission control technology that will produce some
of the lowest emission rates of any biomass project in the U.S. This includes specific
technology to control for:
o Particulate matter - a fabric filter baghouse
o Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) – Selective Catalytic Reduction System
o Chloride Emissions – Dry Sorbent Injection System
• The project will meet all state and federal air quality standards, which are designed to
protect public health, specifically the most vulnerable populations (children, the
elderly, and asthmatics).
• ADAGE submitted its air resource permit application to the state regulator, the
Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA), on April 1.
o There will be a 30 day public comment period starting in approximately
early June
o Followed by a public hearing likely in early July
• The ADAGE project must demonstrate that is meets all federal and state air quality
standards as validated by ORCAA or a permit will not be issued.
o The ADAGE air permit application and review process is available on the
ORCAA website.
• The plant is equipped with a continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS) that
assures the plant operates within the permit limits.
o The CEMS data will be provided to the state regulators on a regular basis to
ensure the plant operates within its limits.

2. Adequacy of water and sewer capacity as well as water supply

• During peak usage the City of Shelton delivers 7500 gallons per minute (gpm) of
water. ADAGE’s peak usage would roughly be only 1% of the total water use for the
City of Shelton.
• ADAGE will utilize technology designed to eliminate steam system cooling water
usage (the major use of water in power production facilities). According to the
Electric Power Research Institute a typical cooling tower system for a 55 MW facility
would require a water withdrawal of 550gpm and 480gpm would be lost to
evaporation (www.mydocs.epri.com/docs/public/000000000001006786.pdf).
• The ADAGE facility will not withdraw any water for steam cooling system purposes.
The facility will use approximately 35 to 50 gpm of which 25 to 45 gpm will be
returned to the City of Shelton’s treatment system for recovery.
• The maximum water use would be 60 to 80 gallons per minute during unusual
circumstances.
o For comparative purposes, a hose bibb (a garden faucet) is equivalent to
about 5 to 7 gpm.
o On average the ADAGE facility is equal to 126 to 180 typical family homes
(according to the EPA the typical family home uses 400 gallons of water per
day - http://epa.gov/watersense/pubs/supply.html)
• The water will be supplied by the city of Shelton – according to city officials, Shelton
has sufficient water supply to support the plant along with long-term expansion and
growth.
o The City of Shelton is extending a 16 inch water main to the John’s Prairie
area.
o This water line will have a capacity of 1500 gpm
o This capability will support long term growth in the John’s Prairie area as
well as meet the water needs for the ADAGE plant which will connect
directly into the new water line.
• ADAGE will make payments to the City of Shelton to cover its fare share of the
capital cost of the new water line.

3. Disposition of wastewater and pollution concerns

• On average the City of Shelton’s main wastewater treatment plant treats over 1000
gallons per minute, so the ADAGE facility on average would be roughly 3.5% of the
total water treated on average.
• The non-contaminated wastewater from the ADAGE facility will be in the range of
25 to 40 gallons per minute, will be discharged to an enclosed tank and then be
directed to the Shelton wastewater treatment plant via the sewer system.
o There will be no discharge into the rivers, lakes or Oakland Bay
o The wastewater will meet the city wastewater discharge specs including
temperature
o According to city officials, Shelton has sufficient wastewater capacity to
accommodate the facility
o New sewer line connections would be paid for by ADAGE
• ADAGE will mitigate stormwater runoff that may occur by installing holding basins.
A DOE-approved stormwater management plan is a necessary condition for both
construction and operation of projects in Washington State.

4. Ash residue, composition, use, and disposal

• The facility will produce non-hazardous wood ash similar to what can be found in a
typical household fireplace.
• There will be an average of 3 - 4 truckloads per day.
• ADAGE is exploring beneficial uses for the ash.
o Ash from clean wood biomass facilities has been used in other locations as a
soil enhancement and/or in road construction materials like cement.
• In the event that these alternative uses are not available, ADAGE will deliver the
material to the licensed Roosevelt Landfill in Klickitat County

5. Effects on traffic flow and road infrastructure

• There will be an average of 100 delivery/supply trucks per day, primarily for biomass
deliveries – Monday-Friday – an average of 6 trucks per hour between 7 am and 10
pm.
• ADAGE is currently performing a traffic study to determine the best method for
feedstock and supply delivery to the facility, while minimizing local traffic impact on
supply routes and major intersections.
• According to Mason County roads staff, the major supply road to the plant (John’s
Prairie Road) is heavy-duty, year-round winter road.

6. Actual permanent employment for the county residents, including level of
opportunities

• As early as the end of 2010 ADAGE could begin hiring local employees for the
construction of the facility for a ramp up to over 400 construction jobs.
• Over 125 direct jobs will be created in plant operations and feedstock supply
o 24 full time jobs in facility operations – These will be the plant managers
and operators.
o Over 100 jobs in the woods harvesting, processing and delivering the
feedstock for the facility – These will be jobs in the logging industry.
• In addition the project will provide create 75 jobs in the local community supporting
the operation of the plant and the employees – This will include businesses like
restaurants, service stations, and retail shops.
• It is in the best interest of ADAGE to hire local employees as much as possible.
ADAGE intends to work with local contractors and training organizations to support
the project.

7. Financial cost to county through “sweetheart” tax deals

• ADAGE has not made any agreements with the County or other municipality on tax
payments. ADAGE will pay its fare share of taxes to the applicable taxing authorities
and is researching the level of payments required.

8. Affordable electricity made available for the county

• ADAGE is currently marketing the power output of the project and would welcome
interest from local customers.

Break in the Action

Even bloggers need a break sometimes. I've been on the East Coast for the last few days away from the internet. But I'll be back April 28 and ready to get back in the game.

I do hope that any of you who attend the Port of Shelton or county meetings will share with me what happens today, April 27. The Port meets at 2 pm at 21 Sanderson Way. The county has a couple of public meetings: the Board of Health at 300 pm and then the Board of County Commissioners meet at 6 pm.

Then tomorrow Wednesday there's the joint meeting of the port, city, county and PUD 3 at 10 am in the PUD3 auditorium.

Please, do let me know how these meetings go. I do want to know whether there is any discussion by any citizen or elected official of ADAGE at any of these meetings.

ADAGE: Open Letter from President LWV Mason County

I've received permission to post the below open letter from Sandra Herndon, President, League of Women Voters Mason County. Why wouldn't our elected officials be seeking out answers to our questions and sharing what they know with the public? This is especially true for those elected officials who've made up their minds about bringing ADAGE to Mason County.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN April 22, 2010

Here is a partial list of concerns about the ADAGE incinerator project voiced by residents of Mason County (from those inclined toward the project as well as from those inclined against):

*effects on the air quality, particulates, etc.
*adequacy of water and sewer capacity as well as water supply
*disposition of wastewater and pollution concerns
*ash residue, composition, use, and disposal
*effects on traffic flow and road infrastructure
*actual permanent employment for the county residents, including level of opportunities
*financial cost to county through "sweetheart" tax deals
*affordable electricity made available for the county.

Citizens of Mason County are well-educated and well-informed. They seek specific, detailed, factual information, not generalities or public relations pieces, in order to determine if this project is in the county’s best interests. The fundamental question is this: Given the fragile ecosystem and the employment needs in this area, how does this project improve the existing situation compared with any actual and potential damage?

Sandra L. Herndon, President
League of Women Voters of Mason County

ADAGE: April 20 News

What a day, Mason County! I attended three interesting meetings that I'd like to share with you. This may be a lengthy post. I'll say sorry up front.

1. Board of County Commissioners Meeting: Tim and Lynda thought this meeting was going to be a short one with just a few items on the consent agenda and no public hearings. The citizens of Mason County had other plans. People I've never seen in the commissioners' chambers showed up today to speak out.

• A young mother spoke of how she has two small boys that she wants to protect from toxins. She reminded us of the toxic waste disposed of by ITT Rayonier.
• A former submariner who now works for the hospital spoke out on what it's like to watch patients with respiratory disease suffer.
• A marine biologist spoke on her expertise and commitment to cleaning up Hood Canal. She very bravely told the commissioners that some voters within the county are exploring efforts to recall the commissioners.
• A long time citizen of the county who is usually quiet spoke with the best questions. She asked for a public hearing on ADAGE. To which the commissioners gave their pat answers: too soon because no application for permit has been received from ADAGE, any questions you want answered Lynda Ring Erickson will forward to ADAGE, go talk to the Port of Shelton, keep on seeking out answers from ADAGE etc etc. "Pass the buck" responses from our elected officials aren't working for me.
• Tim Sheldon did not deny the recent quote in the Mason County Daily News that he was "an unabashed 100% supporter of ADAGE". Nor could he tell us why he is now behind the construction of an incinerator in Mason County. He was reminded by this blogger that he is a leader and that we expect him to hold public sessions for the citizens to have their questions answered prior to any decisions being made.
• Lynda Ring Erickson either lied today, has a very poor memory or has been slighted as county commissioner. She claims to only recently have become aware of what ADAGE is about. On Jan 29 I know she was present at the joint city, county, PUD3, port meeting with ADAGE and their slick power point slides. (I worked at the Pentagon - home of slick power point slides. I know slick power point slides.) At this meeting ADAGE (Lee Torrence) offered to brief individually these twelve commissioners. I can only presume the reason for the individual briefings was being done to avoid the Open Meetings Act. (I understand that following the meeting she hired an attorney to represent her in this process. Real life in Mason County sometimes is better than fiction.)
• Tim Sheldon says there have been "no under the table meetings". Everything has been upfront. But we did learn that ADAGE had spoken at a Rotary meeting per Tim. Interesting. Hadn't heard that before.

2. League of Women Voters Mason County Meeting: Following the county commissioners' meeting State Auditor Brian Sonntag spoke on his role in government and what conflicts of interest are all about. One of the questions we had for him today was when are public hearings required? Here's what I got from his answer. While there may not be a legal requirement for public hearings, why wouldn't an elected official want to hear from the public? Challenge the elected officials sensibility and, if necessary, shaming an elected official is an effective short term solution. The long term solution is to let your vote be the final word. He went on to say that public trust is very fragile and that public officials create public trust through open public meetings and open public records. This was a timely topic for Mason County, don't you agree?

3. Port of Shelton Commissioners Meeting: Here's what I learned at this meeting.

• The Port hired Paul Roberts, a consultant, to help them with planning and they offered his services to Mason County as they work the SEPA for ADAGE.
• The Port looks for businesses that they consider are a "good fit". There are no criteria that they use to make this determination. It's a "subjective decision" per Jay Hupp. Talk about bureaucratic mumbo jumbo.
• ADAGE may give funds to this area to help pay for roads, sewer, and water line per Jay. Operative word here is "may".
• The Port engaged in a feasibility study agreement with ADAGE some time back. Started off at 120 days and then they added 90 days two more times. If I got this right, the Port and ADAGE have been doing this feasibility study now for nearly one year.
• John Dobson, said that working with ADAGE reminds him of when he used to sell cars.
• The ball fields are in fact about 1400 feet from where the Port thinks ADAGE will build.
• ADAGE won't be using John's Prairie/SR3 intersection because nothing would be coming from the north eastern part of the county. Expectation now is that they will use rail primarily.
• Commissioner Wallitner is excited and impressed with ADAGE. Wholeheartedly stated that he's "in favor".
• Commissioner Miles wants to hear from the public and needs more information.

If today had been a ball game and I was the scorekeeper, the citizens would be ahead of the elected officials. Mason County, keep the pressure on. Shaming is our best strategy at this time.

Briefings - Apr 19

Here's a quick update on what came from today's briefings. Ross was absent today.

• ADAGE: No mention of this until three citizens sitting in the peanut gallery insisted on talking about it. Tim told us that we really need to focus on the Port of Shelton commissioners not the county. After the meeting Tim promised to provide an information paper to the public on the process for ADAGE application for construction of their facility. By the way, Port of Shelton commissioners meet on Tuesdays at 2 pm at 21 West Sanderson Way, Shelton.
• John's Prairie/State Route 3 Intersection: Public Works briefed that Department of Transportation is holding a meeting with businesses in that area on April 28. I asked were private citizens also invited to this discussion and was told it's a DOT meeting and they would make that call as to who is included. I haven't had time to call and pester DOT to find out the time and place for this meeting.

That's all for today.

ADAGE: Open Forum Time

Tomorrow at 9 am the Board of County Commissioners will hold their regularly scheduled weekly public meeting. Near the beginning of the meetings they allow the public to speak for five minutes or so for a total of 15 minutes. The Board holds these public meetings Tuesdays 9 am except for the fourth Tuesday of the month meeting which is at 6 pm.

Having attended these meetings now for more than a year, I must say that for the most part people don't speak out.

Lets face it most people don't have the time or inclination to attend these weekly meetings.

But here's my point. I've never heard a citizen speak about ADAGE during the open public forum time before the county commissioners. Nary a word.

Will tomorrow's Board of County Commissioner meeting at 9 am in the Commissioners' Chambers be different?

ADAGE: Fatal Flaw in Plans?

Here are my key questions regarding the proposed construction of ADAGE:

• what will happen to our air quality both from the incinerator and the increased truck traffic?
• where will the funds for road improvements and maintenance come from and will they identified and available prior to operation of the incinerator?
• what is the water supply source within the city now that the water line is being paid for by PUD3 rate payers?
• how is the 100 degree (F) waste water being disposed of and what will that do to our marine environment?
• do we have a sustainable supply of woody bio mass in a 50 mile radius to feed this 24/7 operation?
• will the energy produced be at a low enough cost that others will want to purchase?

Tim Sheldon says he is an "unabashed, 100 per cent supporter of it (ADAGE) and what the company wants to do locally." (Mason County Daily News, "The Green File: Local Legislators Report on Current Session", April 9, 2010)

Are there fatal flaws to the courting of ADAGE that our elected officials have apparently engaged in?

If this plan is solid and there are no fatal flaws, then why wouldn't they hold a meeting in a public setting to answer our questions?

Amazing that the Chair of the Mason County Board of County Commissioners (Ross Gallagher) isn't holding a public meeting. Isn't he up for reelection this year?