We begin the week with the theme of energy. There is a defence of the biomass plant planned for Dundee, while other correspondents write on the Perth incinerator controversy and nuclear power, and road safety is also in the spotlight.
Biomass energy receiving unfair bad press
Sir,-It is obvious many contributors to the letters page are critical of Forth Energy’s plan to invest heavily in Dundee in the form of a biomass energy plant.
However, much of that criticism is misinformed. Such is the case concerning G. M. Lindsay’s contribution on the proposed Grangemouth plant (May 18).
In it, he makes two erroneous claims.
Firstly he states biomass contributes more CO2 to the atmosphere than coal. This is untrue.
As wood will release its stored CO2 into the atmosphere whether it is left to rot or burned for fuel, it is a carbon neutral energy source. The only contribution it makes is through the cost of transporting it.
Coal’s stored CO2 is only released if it is burned and it therefore contributes massively to emissions.
Secondly, he claims the biomass plants will lead to deforestation.
I can only assume he has not realised the fuel for the plants is to come from waste wood already used for other industries and from forests purposely managed for biomass use.
Unlike coal, oil and uranium, wood sources can be replenished indefinitely. Supply vastly outstrips demand so there is no problem.
There needs to be a little more fact and a little less hysteria from those that oppose the biomass plants.
Stuart Allan.8 Nelson Street,Dundee.
No place for incineration
Sir,-MP Pete Wishart says that Grundon’s revised incinerator plans have put a noose around the necks of Perth folk (Courier, May 19).
Mr Wishart is right to be concerned. Last year the UK Government rejected similar proposals in Derby on the grounds of significant potential for harmful emissions especially nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and dioxins.
Incineration should have no part in a zero waste society. We should be copying the example of San Francisco which is currently recycling 77% of its waste, and aims for 100% by 2020 with no incineration.
As things stand, incineration forms a central plank of Scottish waste policy-a policy that has the support of all four of the main political parties.
Mr Wishart may be right in saying that Grundon has put a noose around Perth folk’s necks, but the Scottish Parliament built the scaffold.
Michael Gallagher.Green Alternatives to Incineration in Scotland,33 Precinct Street.Coupar Angus.
Use any fuel but nuclear
Sir,-We should be building a combined wind and tidal power station across the narrows at the mouth of the Forth with rail and road connections and a lock.
Power stations should be built to burn our rubbish alongside coal-powered stations.
The only form of power we should be rejecting is nuclear it would be the answer to all of our prayers but the genie in the box if it got out would make our country uninhabitable.
So let’s see our SNP government set up a think tank to explore our very creative population’s ideas on everything from more efficient car engines to space travel you don’t have to have a degree to think out side the box.
The CO2 produced by six million Scots is a drop in the ocean compared to the CO2 produced by China and India with their massive populations.
John Phimister.63 St Clair Street,Kirkcaldy.
Cyclists should know the rules
Sir,-I’ve read the letters regarding cyclists versus other traffic and they all have a point to make.
I won’t take sides, but the simple fact is that when a cyclist is in collision with any other vehicle, guess who comes off worse?
At that moment it really doesn’t matter who’s at fault, the fatal accident inquiry can apportion blame later.
Cyclists who wish to make the point that they have as much right to be on the road as all other traffic are unarguably correct; this won’t make it less painful if they are hit.
Driving in this country has become an aggressive sport, if you drive at the speed limit there will always be someone two inches from your bumper.
Until this is rectified by education or more severe punishment, it won’t change.
Just for the record, here’s what the Highway code say’s about riding two abreast: “Never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends”-this seems sensible and cyclists should be aware of these rules.
John Strachan.23 Beechwood Avenue,Glenrothes.
Need to learn basic roadcraft
Sir,-A plan for spot penalties for tailgating and undertaking was announced recently.
Should the focus be solely on these? How often do these incidents occur in practice? Maybe when car drivers on a motorway occupy the middle lane of three or the outside lane of a dual carriageway when the inside lanes are clear.
Perhaps the ‘sat nav’ generation have dulled intuitive driving skills resulting in their hogging the middle of the road, ready to turn left or right at a moment’s notice dictated by Tom-Tom.
Or maybe it’s down to some who needs to be on the phone oblivious to anyone around them.
Penalising a few for the behaviour of the majority won’t fix the problem. Basic roadcraft should be instilled during learner driver tuition.
Ron Connelly.43 Morlich Road,Dalgety Bay.
Get involved: to have your say on these or any other topics, email your letter to letters@thecourier.co.uk or send to Letters Editor, The Courier, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL.