Political party wants full environmental assessment of Kruger tire fuel burning in Newfoundland

ST. JOHN'S, NF, Nov. 22, 2010 (Press Release) - NDP Leader Lorraine Michael (Signal Hill - Quidi Vidi) says the proposal to burn Tire Derived Fuel (TDF) at Corner Brook Pulp and Paper needs to go to a full Environmental Assessment. Michael made the comments following a public protest in Corner Brook on Saturday.

"It is clear from the numbers who turned up to protest the proposal to burn tires in Corner Brook's pulp and paper mill that there is sufficient public concern to warrant a full environmental assessment," says Michael.

Regulations around environmental assessments in the province allow for approval subject to an environmental preview report but require a full environmental assessment if there are sufficient public environmental concerns.

"The protest Saturday and the various media reports questioning this proposal constitute significant public concern for the effects this proposal will have on the environment, people's health and the quality of life in the City of Corner Brook," says Michael. "It is important for there to be a full environmental assessment so that residents of Corner Brook and the province can submit their concerns directly to the decision making process."

"Tire burning is very dangerous and has the potential to release many harmful chemicals into the atmosphere including zinc oxide, which cannot be removed by venturi scrubbers," says Michael. "Zinc oxide can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches and sore throat if a person is continuously exposed to vapors."

"The Corner Brook mill is located directly in the middle of the city near schools and hospitals. The people must be assured that they have no health concerns associated with the burning of TDF and must have the opportunity to ask these questions of an Environmental Assessment Panel," says Michael.