Burning tires here will affect everyone

by Rad Smith

Recent statements by the Holcim Cement plant would lead you to believe that the Gallatin Valley has a critical waste tire problem. In the same statements, they are attempting to convince us all that burning tires is the best environmental solution to this problem. Neither claim is true.

Holcim wants to burn 1,137,000 tires annually. Currently, Montanans produce less than half the tires needed to burn in their cement kiln. By now you should be asking yourself where the balance is coming from? Unbelievably, Holcim will be taking on other states' waste tire burden into Montana to fulfill its quota.

In addition, they've warned us that the alternative could be waste tires throughout our streams, rivers and roadways. The reality is that the very few tires improperly disposed of are basically inert. It is a disgusting and careless way to handle waste tires, but pales in comparison to the environmental effects the same tire will have if burned.

When burned, everything downwind of the plant will be affected and will slowly accumulate a long list of metals and toxins produced by burning tire rubber. It will only be a matter of time before we are warned to halt consumption of game and limit the number of fish eaten in each household. We are known worldwide for our pristine waterways and landscapes; is this how we want to jeopardize our reputation? Wouldn't it also be a good guess that having an additional 500,000-plus tires on our roadways could only increase the incidental occurrence that more tires end up along our highways and waterways, if that's all Holcim has concerned itself with?

In short, there are absolutely no environmental, health or economic long-term benefits to having this kind of facility in our valley. Burning tires here will affect everyone.

Rad Smith

724 N. Third Ave.

Bozeman

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