BREDL’s “BIOMASS MONSTER”

a hit at NC Energy Expo

BREDL staffer David Mickey poses with the BIOMASS MONSTER at the Southern Energy and Environment Expo in Asheville, NC.

An unexpected guest showed up at the Southern Energy & Environment Expo in Asheville, NC, last weekend. No, it wasn’t Roxy, Sue’s 10-year-old pit bull who went along for the ride. Instead, it was the BIOMASS MONSTER that attracted lots of stares – and smiles - from both the exhibitors, and those attending the Expo.

The BIOMASS MONSTER came to life on a Thursday afternoon before the Expo. With a borrowed trash can (Sue’s), some ductwork and lights from the Habitat Re-Store, and a roll of shiny, silver duct tape, it quickly came together. Signs identifying the various biomass materials were added to illustrate just what materials, including toxic wastes deemed by industry pundits as “clean, renewable energy sources.” Christmas lights draped around the “monster” gave it a festive and less threatening appearance for young children who attended the Energy Expo.

There were lots of questions about whether or not BREDL supports burning biomass for energy. A fact sheet explained the problems of burning biomass to fight global warming. We used poultry litter and Fibrowatt as examples of “dirty” biomass projects in North Carolina. Many people had not yet heard about Fibrowatt, but they were anxious to support BREDL’s campaign to stop the construction of three poultry manure incinerators in NC. Thirty people added their names to a sign-on letter asking for a delay in North Carolina’s required use of poultry letter for electricity.

For now, the Biomass Monster has retreated into a garbage bag, but he’s already been invited to a festival in the fall. And Halloween is just around the corner!


Submitted by BREDL staffers David Mickey and Sue Dayton

August 25, 2009