Ms Lever of Melancthon made some serious claims against the utility of the proposed Dufferin Eco Energy Park (DEEP) (‘Dufferin Gas Chamber,’ 10 June). She quoted a number of sources of critical comments on which to base her claims.

I’m not an expert on plasma technology and do not know the temperature of the sun’s surface.

I do know that, for every subject of public interest, one can find “expert” sources to support any point of view you prefer. CBC Radio News is a classic example.

Ms Lever charged that DEEP will endanger life by embedding carcinogens - eg, dioxins - in the waste products. I suspect a plasma heater that generates temperatures greater than those of the sun’s surface will convert any carcinogens to the most basic of atoms.

Another suggestion was that poisonous metals like arsenic and cadmium will be part of slag waste.

If so, then they would also be part of any garbage buried directly into a hole in the ground. However I understand that, if everyone removes dangerous substances and computer components to hazardous waste collection centres - as we all do now, don’t we? - then these materials will be sequestered elsewhere.

My chief concern is what to do with garbage when the Michigan site closes and the Mono and other pits are full. We can’t go on forever burying garbage; unlike Ontario’s growth plan, there is a finite limit to population expansion and garbage disposal. Elimination of burial may also prevent misuse of depleted gravel pits.

Reading local news reports, my conclusion is that DEEP will end the practice of burying raw garbage, emit minimal exhaust gas, create heat energy to generate electricity and produce a slag recyclable in road surfaces (thereby reducing gravel consumption). Equally important, Dufferin County will control its own waste. That sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

Charles Hooker

Orangeville