Help Us Continue Our Work Click here to help us follow up and see that International Paper discloses the full results of the tire burn to the public. To Report Health Issues Related to the IP Tire Burn -- We have stopped collecting information--but find contact info to the Vermont Department of Health here. After 3 years, IP says 'never mind' To understand all the fuss over International Paper's quest to burn shredded tires, you have to start with a grain of salt and get smaller – eight times smaller, to be exact. That's the size of the tiny specks of pollution – some carrying cancer-causing heavy metals – known as fine particulates that, in the end, eluded the Ticonderoga, N.Y., mill's sophisticated pollution control devices during its recent test burn of tire-derived fuel. After three years of public wrangling, shredded tires were finally fed into the plant's giant power boilers recently. The two-week test burn would have ended today had IP not stopped it last week. Just five days into the experiment, the plant gave up an alternative energy source that could have saved the company $4 million a year. "We weren't able to, with any consistency, manage the total amount of fine particulates, regardless of the level of tire-derived fuel," the plant's spokeswoman, Donna Wadsworth, said last week. "It didn't matter what levels we used; we expected that when we ramped up the amount we put in, that the particulate count would go up. But there was no consistency." --Read the full article by Darren M. Allen, Rutland Herald, 11/19/06 What Next? Demand Full Disclosure of International Paper Tire Burn Results Breathe Easier! International Paper Halts Tire Burn! Tire burn called off before end of scheduled testing International Paper Co. concluded a test of tire-derived fuel at its mill along the Lake Champlain shoreline a week early Tuesday after finding that the process was not economically feasible in the in the long-term. IP was performing the test to determine whether scrap tire chips could supplement fuel oil and wood scraps to power the plant's boiler. The company decided to stop the test burn after watching the levels of particulate emissions rise, spokeswoman Donna Wadsworth said. The company remained in compliance with environmental permits during the test, but found that particles produced through a combustion process and released into the air were higher than desired, she said. Boston Globe 11/14/06 Good decision to halt tire burn testing Burlington Free Press 11/15/06   Statement Of Vermont’s Congressional Delegation On International Paper’s Decision To Halt Trial Tire Burn 11/14/06 From the Vermont Air Pollution Control Division--11/14/2006 - International Paper announced this afternoon that they have stopped the test burn. This is not a suspension of the burning of TDF, but a cancellation of the remainder of the test burn itself. Refined preliminary results from the one-quarter ton per hour tests conducted yesterday indicated no improvement over the one-half ton per hour results. The two runs gave .09 and .08 lbs/mmbtu results, essentially the same as the previous runs. This was the second reduction in feed rates following the one ton per hour tests conducted on November 9th. Emissions this close to the permit limit of 0.1 lbs/mmbtu at a feed rate one-twelfth of the proposed rate apparently convinced International Paper that further testing would not be useful. It is DEC's understanding that IP has no plans to seek a new test at this time, however we are still awaiting an official statement from the company. IP Lowers Ceiling on Tire Burn Test--Burlington Free Press, 11/14/06 The International Paper Tire Test Burn Must Stop Now! Statement from the Board of People for Less Pollution 11/12/06 IP TIRE BURN EMISSION UPDATE--11/10/06-- Tire Burn Exceeds Permitted Particulate Emissions While Burning Only 1 Ton of Tires Per Hour International Paper has completed partial testing of their particulate emissions at 1 ton per hour and, these results were higher than expected.  IP suspended feeding tire derived fuel (tdf) into the boiler when these results came in and then began again this morning at the reduced rate of 1/2 ton per hour.   A particulate testing run at the 1/2 ton rate was completed around noon) Friday. Results are not available.   The field results from Thursday  below - showing particulate rates just under the permit limit (and in the first hour over!) No Tire Burning over the Weekend. WE BELIEVE THIS TEST IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD NOT CONTINUE MONDAY AT INTERNATIONAL PAPER! PLEASE CHECK THE VERMONT AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DIVSION WEB SITE FOR UP-TO-DATE INFO ON THE INTERNATIONAL PAPER TIRE BURN. We are wondering why it was only after 3-days of burning tires that the first emissions testing was performed at IP? We have heard reports of people smelling odors from as far away as Ripton, VT Click here for up-to-date info at the Vermont Air Pollution Control Division Data from the first test shows the .10 limit particulate emissions exceeded permitted at the 1 ton/hour feed rate. WAKE UP EPA! NYDEC! THE TIME HAS COME TO STOP THIS UNSAFE TEST--NOW!! THE RESULTS ARE IN--BURNING TIRES IS UNSAFE AT INTERNATIONAL PAPER TICONDEROGA--TO CONTINUE ON MONDAY IS NEGLIGENT AND IRRESPONSIBLE! 11/9/2006 - International Paper conducted the particulate compliance testing at the one ton per hour rate today. The testing consists of three individual measurements, after each measurement, the resulting sample is analyzed. IP has decided to remove tire derived fuel from the fuel mix until these test results are available. We expect IP to have these test results tomorrow. 11/8/2006 - International Paper continued firing TDF at the rate of 1 ton per hour throughout the day today. They did not begin particulate compliance testing at this rate today as we had expected. This was in order to give their boiler operators additional experience at this firing level. They are expected to continue at 1 ton per hour through the night tonight, with a short interruption for normal maintenance. Particulate matter testing at the 1 ton per hour rate is expected to begin Thursday morning. Preliminary results may be available later in the day. Provided the results demonstrate compliance with their permit limit, IP is expected to increase the firing rate to 2 tons per hour late tomorrow. 11/7/2006 - Following completion late yesterday of the baseline particulate test, IP introduced tire derived fuel (tdf) into the solid fuel mix at 8:30 am this morning and the tire chips actually got to the boiler around 9:30 am at the rate of 0.5 ton per hour, throughout the day this was increased to 1 ton per hour and the boiler has now been stabilized at this level. A particulate test will be required to confirm that IP is still within their permit limits before the tdf can be increased in the next phase to 2 tons per hour. A meeting was still going on at 4:30pm to set the schedule for tomorrow when IP will carry out the first particulate test with tdf in the fuel mix. In other activities today time was spent ensuring the calibration of the tdf percentage - to confirm that the tire chips are being fed at the rate described. VT DEC staff report that the calibration went well and they are satisfied it is an accurate number. 11/6/2006 - International Paper spent most of today, the first day of the tire burn test, setting things up. Under the permit they are required to carry out a baseline particulate test at the beginning of the process, but this test was held up for much of the day due to a non-tire related problem with the wood bark feeding system. (Wood is necessary for the particulate test). Because of the delay with the wood bark feeding system no tire derived fuel (tdf) was burned today. We expect that they will begin with a 1/2 ton per hour rate of tdf tomorrow morning. To Check Weather and Wind Direction: Shoreham, Vermont Winds from a westerly direction bring International Paper emissions into Vermont. 11/4/06--Courts fails to grant Injunction and protect the health of citizens from unsafe test burn PDF of Judges Decision Vermonters Rally Against Proposed Tire Burn Times Argus 10/29/06 Talk by Pediatrician Jack Mayer, MD at Rally 10-30-06--People for Less Pollution and the Northeast Clean Air Coalition have filed an Amicus brief in conjunction with Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell’s suit for an injunction on the permit allowing the International Paper plant in Ticonderoga, NY to burn tire derived fuel (TDF) without the industry standard electrostatic precipitator (ESP).  Click here to see the press release Click here to see the full Amicus brief

In the News: Tire burn bumps up against pollution limit, is scaled back Boston Globe, 11/10/06 A Silent Pandemic: Industrial Chemicals Are Impairing the Brain Development of Children Worldwide Fetal and early childhood exposures to industrial chemicals in the environment can damage the developing brain and can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs)—autism, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), and mental retardation. One out of every six children has a developmental disability, usually involving the nervous system. Treating NDDs is difficult and costly to both families and society. In recent decades, a gathering amount of evidence has linked industrial chemicals to NDDs. Lead, for example, was the first chemical identified as having toxic effects to early brain development, though its neurotoxicity to adults had been known for centuries. A developing brain is much more susceptible to the toxic effects of chemicals than an adult brain. During development, the brain undergoes a highly complex series of processes at different stages. An interference—for example, from toxic substances—that disrupts those processes, can have permanent consequences. “Even if substantial documentation on their toxicity is available, most chemicals are not regulated to protect the developing brain,” says Grandjean. “Only a few substances, such as lead and mercury, are controlled with the purpose of protecting children. The 200 other chemicals that are known to be toxic to the human brain are not regulated to prevent adverse effects on the fetus or a small child.” Harvard School of Public Health, 11/7/06 Health Warning from Addison County Supervisory Union Health Coordinator to area Principals Tire Burn Causing Housing Jitters Along Lake Champlain Addison Independent 10/30/06 International Paper CEO John Faraci refuses invitation to meet with Governor Douglas to discuss Tire Burn Times Argus, 10/27/06 Environmental group wants to sue International Paper Addison Independent 10/16/06 Vermont goes back to court to stop tire burn Burlington Free Press 10/11/06 State officials appeal to halt IP tire burn Rutland Herald 10/16/06 Vt. officials want tire burn halted Helmscott, UK Stay the course on tire-burn fight Burlington Free Press 10/7/06 State vows to fight Nov. 6 tire-burn test Burlington Free Press 10/6/06 "IP Tire Burn Test Will Increase Emissions of Pollutants Having Adverse Health Impacts" -- Dr. William Bress, VT Chief Toxicologist The Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, American Medical Association, the American Thoracic Society, the American Lung Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Public Health Association, and the National Association of Local Boards of Health--HAVE ALL EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE EPA HAS FAILED TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH (AND PREVENT UNNECESSARY ILLNESS AND DEATH) FROM FINE PARTICULATES. Over 5 million New Yorkers Would Be Left Vulnerable To Deadly Pollution Under Weak EPA Plan, Lung Association Warns

EPA silence allows International Paper of Ticonderoga, NY Tire Burn to Move Forward—NYDEC approves unsafe tire burn — Vermont Attorney General to fight in the courts! “No tires will be burned without a fight — a big fight!" -- Vermont Attorney General Bill Sorrell “I am very disappointed that New York State regulators plan to issue this permit. Those who live downwind of the IP plant should not be treated as guinea pigs in this experiment." -- Senator Jim Jeffords, I-VT   "If we get to that time, and I hope to God we don't, I would recommend people in Addison County stay indoors. Don't be outside during this." -- John Cronin, head of the American Lung Association of Vermont Just as the EPA has failed to protect the pubic from mercury emissions and found itself in court faced with lawsuits from a dozen states, it will now find itself in court for failing to protect the citizens of New York and Vermont from the dangers of fine particulates (known to carry toxins that cause cancer) that will be released when International Paper Company of Ticonderoga attempts to burn tires without the proper pollution control equipment. The time has come for everyone to speak up again! Contact Governor Douglas (click here) or call him at 1-800-649-6825 now and urge him to do everything in his power to insure that the EPA denies this permit. Urge him to act and protect the health of Vermonters who will be downwind from the tire burn and breathe the harmful emissions. Call EPA Region 2 head Steven Riva with your concerns: (212) 637-4074 e-mail him at Riva.Steven@epamail.epa.gov Statement by Senator Jeffords about the proposed Tire Burn. More information about the Proposed Tire Burn

If you thought Burning Tires is Bad -- What about SLUDGE? IP Seeks to Renew Title V Air Pollution Permit -- Including Burning SLUDGE! On September 6, 2006 we received a letter denying our requests that Vermonter’s be allowed time to comment and have a public hearing on this serious matter. The NYDEC found “ no basis to conduct the public hearing. Accordingly, your requests are hereby denied.” Vermont’s Attorney General sent comments as well about the IP Title V air permit. Will Vermont take action? If you are as horrified as we are about IP’s blatant intention to pollute the Champlain valley and threaten our health for their profits, take the time to speak out! Public Comment Period Ended August 11, 2006 -- NO WARNING GIVEN TO VERMONT RESIDENTS WHO LIVE NEXT TO THE PLANT. NO PUBLIC HEARING. What's going on? Take action now! Call Governor Douglas toll free at 800-649-6825 Contact the Governor Online Here More Information about burning sludge

VERMONT ATTY. GENERAL FILES APPLEAL OVER NY DECISION — New York Court rules against Vermont Attorney General's Law Suit Against Tire Burn On February 2nd of this year, Vermont's Attorney General filed suit in New York State Supreme Court, County of Albany, challenging the NYS DEC's determination to exempt IP's test burn from NY environmental laws. The suit comprised over 400 pages of findings and affidavits Over three months later, on April 11th, New York State submitted its response to the court comprising over 900 pages of exhibits and affidavits. On May 19th, the Vermont Attorney General responded to New York's response in a relatively shorter 80 page document. Vermont was not allowed to present oral arguments. On August 10, 2006 New York state Supreme Court Justice Joseph Teresi ruled against Vermont and supported it's own state agency--not surprising. "I remain prepared to exhaust all available legal avenues to prevent this potentially toxic tire burn." -- Vermont Governor Jim Douglas, August 10, 2006 More Information about the Vermont Suit Against the Tire Burn

An In-Depth Story about the proposed IP TIre Burn appeared in the Boston Globe Sunday Magazine By Stephen Kiernan | March 26, 2006 FROM THE ROOFTOP of the International Paper mill in Ticonderoga, New York, the view to the east is postcard-pretty: Lake Champlain lies silver in the valley, rolling hills shape the near lands of Vermont, and in the distance stand some of the highest peaks of the Green Mountains. The view west, by contrast, is blocked by a smokestack that measures 13 feet wide and 205 feet high (more than five times as tall as Fenway Park's Green Monster). From this black tube of stainless steel, steam and papermaking emissions rise by the ton, day and night, like an arm of toxic white. This particular intersection of industry and beauty has generated conflict in the surrounding communities for decades. And now a proposal to burn tire chips in the paper mill's furnace has sparked an environmental controversy of a whole new order. Replacing oil with tires would save the plant millions of dollars on energy, perhaps preserving hundreds of endangered jobs. But burning tires would also release toxins that would sail, due to prevailing westerly winds, onto farms and homes across Lake Champlain. What goes up in New York comes down in New England . . . Read the entire article

More News from our Archives NRDC, New York Groups Join Opposition to Tire Burn An Entire Community Opposed to the the Test Burn

Why burning tires for fuel is unsafe (follow the link for more information)

International Paper Company's Permit Application was Originally Found Incomplete!
Nothing has changed in the revised application that will make burning tires safer!

HELP US STOP THE INTERNATIONAL PAPER TIRE BURN!

International Paper Company of Ticonderoga, NY has a long history (click here to see IP's environmental track record) of being the largest polluter of Lake Champlain, the Champlain

And Please send us a contribution to keep this grass roots effort going to protect the air and health of residents of the Champlain Valley.

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