This past weeks BOS, (Board of Supervisors), meeting was well attended by those supporting the proposed Biomass Plant, as well as several letters pro and con on the subject.One letter in particular was of interest, since it was submitted by the previous owners of the 7.6 acres in question.
When Mariposa County was required, by the State, to provide test wells to monitor the Dump, "eminent domain" was suggested to the property owners, leaving little option but to sell their land to the County. Therefore, rightfully so, the previous owners are "most disturbed" over the Counties consideration of re-selling the same property, emphasizing the property has also increased in value.
If at the time this was a critical sale, what has changed to consider it otherwise? The test wells are now in place.
Regardless of such inconsideration to the demands on the previous owners, the serious issue is the proposed location of the Biomass Plant. The major attraction to this location is the PG&E sub-station which will apparently be forced to purchase the energy produced by the Plant.
It is amazing that the discussion will continue on locating the Plant miles from the source of dead trees to be used as fuel, transporting loads through town on Hwy's 140 & 49N to the Dump area. Then locating the Plant itself adjacent to a major Propane storage yard, apparently oblivious to the safety of the surrounding communities.
The adjacent Industrial Park referred to is "hilly" with a cement Plant and a Tow-truck business currently in operation. as well as another Propane Storage area on the West side of the "Park".
Adding to the concentration of Trucks connected to all of the above business's, is the fact there is NO LEFT TURN LANE from Hwy 49 to service this entire area!
Once again, let it be clear, this is not an argument against a Biomass Plant, it is definitely in opposition to locating it in an already congested area.
If the intent is to dispose of the enormous amount of dead trees, then locate it as close to the source as possible. PG&E serves all of the surrounding Counties. If a Sub-station is critical criteria then work with PG&E on a more logical location!
Ruth Sellers,
Mariposa
