|
Letter to the editor from Dragon Cement official Ann Thayer
Industrial ecology To the editor I'd like to take this opportunity to set the record straight regarding the more recent rumors being promoted regarding Dragon's closure of the cement kiln dust pile and the use of short paper fiber in the cover. Have you ever wondered what happens to all that white office paper that you dutifully throw into the recycling bin? Some of it might end up at the Cascade Auburn Mill in Auburn, Me, where it is turned into recycled paper and sold to paper mills throughout North America to make new paper stock. A portion of the recycled paper fiber is too short or too weak to be reused in papermaking and is removed from the process. This valuable resource is not thrown away, however. Consisting primarily of short paper fiber, clay filIer and calcium, the material is excellent for use in agricultural or agronomic applications. For over 10 years, this benign material known as short paper fiber has been used throughout Maine in a variety of applications including direct land application, use as animal bedding, mixing in topsoil and even use as a barrier layer for landfill closure projects. Short paper fiber meets DEP criteria and is approved for such beneficial use applications. For farmers, it provides needed organic material as well as a liming benefit from the calcium that is added to the soil. For topsoil blinding short paper fiber enhances erosion control properties of the soil mixture, and holds moisture so the soil doesn't dry out. Following receipt of DEP approval, Dragon has begun closure of the cement kiln dust pile. The closure plan calls for a 12-inch layer of of clay that is covered by a 6 inch topsoil layer that is then seeded. Over 90 percent of the materials (clay and soil) used in the closure are by products from Dragon's Thomaston quarry operation. The other percent of the cover material consists of short paper fiber from the Cascade Auburn Mill and compost that is mixed with the soil and consistent with the company's philosophy of putting waste to work. Dragon has long been recognized for Environmental excellence. Beneficial re-use of waste materials conserves natural resources, a concept that environmental groups wholeheartedly support. In addition to the use of short paper fiber for this project, Dragon uses spent foundry sand, perlite, and other materials in place of sand to provide silica to the cement manufacturing process. Lime waste from paper mills and recovered cement kiln dust act as a replacement of limestone. Industrial ecology is the concept of taking a waste from one industry and making it a valued raw material for another and isn't this the ultimate of what we are striving for when we think of reduce, reuse and recycle? We'd like to think the many neighbors and local residents that have contacted us to discuss their concerns or questions about the closure project or to express their support. Ron Huber and the NSD group have chosen not to engage in a dialogue with Dragon. I encourage others in the community to contact me if you have questions about the project or about Dragon's environmental programs. I can be reached at 593-0100 or at info@dragonproducts.com Ann W. Thayer
|