Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 4 · column 5 of 6 · from the scan, no model involved
A mass bum incinerator involves an immediate capital outlay of at least $50 million and requires huge amounts of trash to be cost justified.
• Airborne discharge of toxic chemicals (adds and dioxins) poses a threat to the air we breathe, as well as contamination of surface and ground water. This' can be detrimental to forests and the food chain 1 both on land and in streams which feed the Chesapeake'’ Bay'. . . Jtnd which includes you arid hie.
• The ash residue of mass-bum incinerators contains heavy metals and other toxic materials which must be disposed of very carefully. These substances, because of their concentration in the ash, will quickly leach into ground water unless sealed with an impermeable lining.
Consider recent history: The removal of lead from auto fuel has taken years but is almost accomplished. We are just beginning to address the decimation of forests and lakes by add rain. At a time when we are trying desperately to save the Bay, can we afford, consdously, to release more contaminants into our air, soil and water? The earth and its atmosphere are a dosed system. It can only accommodate so much.
Already we are sitting on an assortment of "time bombs” created by the careless disposal of various chemicals, including pestiddes and unknown materials (lumped in isolated locations, as well as rusting underground fuel tanks. Our future quality of life has been compromised by such practices. The negative impact already has begun and will continue to haunt us for years to come as deteriorating containers begin to leak and their contents seep into the soil. In the words of the inimitable pogo, "We have met the enemy and it is us.”
Our dilemma is how to avoid this collison course.
The Challenge is to develop community incentives to recycle, reuse, re-process or compost whenever there is an alternative to burn or bury.
The technology is available. Now! The time is right. Now!
There is before the General Assembly a proposal which, if enacted, will give impetus to this effort. The first hurdle will be to focus attention on what is otherwise a subject long neglected.
Will you help?
DEL. HARVEY B. MORGAN 98th District, Gloucester, VA.
86.5%