Tire burning plan meets opposition in N.L.

Environmental and health concerns were raised by some western Newfoundland residents at a public information session on a proposal to burn tires ata paper mill in Corner Brook.

About 30 people were told emissions from the Kruger mill would be well within provincial standards if it used old rubber tires to create energy for the facility.

But some residents said they need more information about possible health risks associated with tire burning.

"When you hear about birth defects, cancer, carcinogens I just wonder when they came to the meeting there was nothing provided about that. I just found that a bit alarming," Patty King said.

The company said it would save money by grinding up the tires and burning them to run the mill more efficiently.

Corner Brook Pulp and Paper, which is owned by Kruger,is proposing to start with an eight-day trial run.

Kruger Senior Engineer Michael Lacey said the company wants to burn up to 40 tonnes of ground-up tires.

Lacey said tire-derived fuel is now used in 30 pulp mills in the U.S. and four provinces.

Mario Levesque, a professor at Grenfell Campus, Memorial Universityin Corner Brook, told the meeting that not all areas approve of tire burning. There is a ban on burning tires for fuel in Ontario.

"Why is Newfoundland different? Why should we accept the burning of tires when we don't know the cumulative effects on the public health the health of our kids?" asked Levesque.

The company said burning tires would reduce the need for oil and other pollutants because burning would be more efficient.

Lacey did say burning tires would increase the presence of zinc another toxin.

However, he said the amount would be well within provincial guidelines.

The proposal is waiting on government approval.