Dear Editor,

One more unproven project promoted by a chosen few is of great concern to many of us residing in close proximity to the proposed Biomass site.

Allowing this plant an unconditional use permit in the light manufacturing zone is unacceptable. The site in question was established and the lots divided to small sizes to accommodate the types of businesses currently operating there.

The fact the Biomass Plant must be adjacent to a PG&E substation to sell them the energy they produce is an entirely separate issue from the use of the land that is use defined.

Allowing this plant to be built, with Grants (most of which are derived from our tax dollars) is another issue! The site in question is in the airport over-lay zone. It is also on land designated in the Mariposa General Plan as the area and direction for the future growth of Mariposa Town.

The fact is a plant on this site will have an adverse effect on a minimum of a two mile radius. This is an established area of many homes and families. Dust from dumping materials and exhaust from trucks create unacceptable conditions! Not only would this affect the immediate area, it will create considerable changes in the traffic flow especially through town.

This week the Chamber reported, to the BOS, 562,000 (Yes five hundred and sixty two thousand) cars passed through town on Hwy 140 this past year! The proposed Biomass plant states 8-10 dump trucks and 3-4 trailer loads daily to the site. Well, what goes in will come out and return to another pick-up. Therefore it will be 16-20 dump trucks and 6-8 trailers daily through town.

Why through town? Because the issue of Tree Mortality and disposal of dead wood is the source of fuel and it is located miles to the eastern side of Mariposa County. Add to those deliveries the daily disposal from the plant of 1.2 tons of dry ash and 60 pounds of sludge to be trucked to the County landfill which is currently in the planning phase of closure!

Current conversations in Mariposa County regarding growth and business opportunities is certainly contrary to allowing a heavy industrial operation locate on a site miles from the source of the disposable materials in addition to being a plant not yet constructed anywhere nor proven as to its touted operation.

Question is are we to continue to be a non-industrial County or are we to be the next Chinese Camp or North Fork?