East residents worry about planned biogas plant at CSIR
A committee opposing the planned facility has already been formed.
Up to 45 000 tons of organic feedstock would be used annually at a proposed biogas plant for the CSIR.
The plant, most likely to be built on the CSIR grounds in Lynnwood, will supply the institution with electricity and serve as a pilot on sustainable power supply, according to the CSIR.
The science research institute said it was considering three sites at its Lynnwood campus for the project.
The institution said the plant could generate up to three megawatts of power from feedstock sourced from the Tshwane metro and local shopping malls.
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The CSIR also said there was a possibility it could provide its surplus power to the metro.
However, some nearby residents are concerned the plant might be unsafe and pollute the area. They have already formed a committee to oppose its construction.
Committee spokesperson advocate Louis Visser said affected parties could send them their opposition comments.
Local councillor Siobhan Muller said she believed there was nothing for residents to be concerned about.
“Biogas is a very clean form of energy as it burns rubbish to create energy,” she told Rekord.
“There is no smell or pollution that can arise from it, it is a clean manner to renew energy.”
Committee chair Stephan van der Walt said the committee was aware of the proposed plant and had scheduled a meeting “to understand the implications in respect of pollution, odours and traffic congestion arising from such a facility”.
Environmental expert Nigel Conni said generating biogas was an excellent way to dispose of waste by turning it into a useful product, leaving behind a very small residual which could be easily and harmlessly disposed of.
He, however, said feedstock handling could be messy and biogas could contain hydrogen sulphide, which had a bad odour and could cause pollution.
To comment, write to PO Box 238, Plumstead, 7801 or fax to 086-665-7430 or phone on 021-762-3050 or via email on [email protected].
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