Oh dear!

Mr Frampton says in writing (Dorset Echo, November 14) ‘there are no zero emission options available’ so how can the project significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with Dorset’s waste management.

That makes no logical sense since the proposal is to take RDF from sources outside of Dorset. This means a significant increase not the opposite.

Without expensive exhaust gas cleaning of particulates and products from combustion meeting Environmental Law requirements will not be achieved.

As an old hand at this with 45 years of industrial experience in process and plant engineering including RDF processing, manufacturing RDF Fuel Pellets and MSW processing, I think I am well qualified to pass practical comment.

RDF has a poor calorific value and is not a good source of fuel for waste-to-energy processes.

To reach and maintain 1100 deg C during incineration is a struggle and it is essential to do this to remove the nasties. The combustion products contain excess oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen sulphide and NOx and particulates.

Electrostatic precipitation will get rid of the particulates and wet scrubbing with calcium hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide will absorb the gases leaving a solid waste and a filter-cake. Two waste products to get rid of. I think PowerFuel is hoping to avoid this. All that should be left going up the stack is steam and excess air. I worked out that every tonne of CO2 removed requires 1.27 tonnes of CaO and that will yield c 2.68 tonne of waste filter cake.

Did anyone pay attention to the way the vegetation grows along the side of the East Weares Cliffs and the directional alignment of the stunted growth bushes?

They have been there a long time and so tell you a thing or two about the prevailing winds.

I do not remember anything in my Chimney Design Manuals about making allowances for such formidable massive structures affecting how the wind might pick up the exhaust gases.

I do not believe for a minute the exhaust will ever reach the Upper Atmosphere. I live in Preston and fully expect the exhaust will get dumped back on me. (I lived in Scotland, not many miles from the fateful ReChem Incinerator at Bonnybridge and am fully aware of chemicals exhausted into the atmosphere). If Covid-19 treats me kindly, I do not want the incinerator to finish me off.

Finally, why build on the Jurassic Coast? I hope DCC ask for a large insurance bond as a condition if they give planning permission.

MAURICE BRAITHWAITE

Weymouth