Biomass Explosion Causes Fear

A massive explosion in a Biomass power plant in Holland has caused fear in the Dutch city of Nijmegen and great concern to Trafford residents.

The explosion occurred shortly after 7am yesterday (7th November) and local people were warned to remain indoors. One resident described it as like a “meteor hitting the city”.

Pete Kilvert, Chairman of the Breathe Clean Air group which is campaigning to stop a similar plant in Trafford, Greater Manchester said “There have been over 75 fires or explosions in biomass plants since 2008, including a massive fire at Tilbury Power station last February. The residents of Trafford and nearby Salford are naturally concerned about fall-out from such a conflagration should it occur at the Barton Renewable Energy Plant in Davyhulme. This plant intends to burn waste wood which is preserved with heavy metals such as arsenic, so a fire in its wood storage facility could have devastating consequences”, he added.

The proposed Trafford biomass plant is subject to a Public Inquiry which begins on Tuesday 13th November at Manchester United Football Ground. The Breathe Clean Air Group is urging local people to attend and have their say. There is to be an evening session on Thursday 22nd November, but people should register to speak, either by attending the first day or by phoning  Leanne Palmer on 0303 444 5471. For details see www.BreatheCleanAirGroup.co.uk.

“The health impacts of burning contaminated wood in a populated area are well known by the Biomass incinerator developer, Peel Energy, but they plan to go ahead with this controversial plant anyway,” said Mr Kilvert. “The Environment Agency, which was set up to protect the air we breathe has failed us,” he added, “but it has been revealed that the Environment Agency has never turned down an application to build an incinerator. The consequences of death and disease in the community may not be revealed for 5 to 10 years.”