OPEN LETTER TO THE POPULATION
Dear residents, neighbours and friends,
Have we ever stopped to think about the value of what we have, which so often we only recognise once it is lost?
The quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink, the peace of our villages and of the fields around us bring well-being to our families and are the most precious thing we share. That is why we must be alert and informed about the possible building of a biomethane production plant close to our communities.
This is not about being against progress, or rejecting renewable energy. Development is only truly sustainable when it protects people and respects the environment.
So what is a biomethane plant?
It is an industrial installation that uses organic waste to produce a renewable gas. The process, usually called anaerobic digestion, works by micro-organisms breaking down organic matter in the absence of oxygen. Depending on the plant, it can use farm and livestock waste, manure, food leftovers, animal remains, sludge or other organic waste. The biogas produced is then treated and purified into biomethane, a gas similar to natural gas, which is used as a source of energy.
At first sight it looks like a good solution for the environment. When well designed and properly controlled, it can help make use of waste.
But there is a legitimate question: what are the consequences of putting an industrial unit of this kind so close to our homes? Risks we cannot ignore!
Air quality and odours: organic waste can cause strong, persistent odours, from transport to reception and storage. We have all seen trucks carrying strong-smelling material on our roads, and their contents spilling. Now imagine trucks like these passing constantly along our roads.
Who wants to live afraid of opening the windows of their own home? Of not being able to dry the washing outside? Who wants to give up gatherings outdoors, or walking about calmly without worry? Persistent odours and dust can also cause discomfort, nausea, headaches and serious breathing problems.
Water and soil, a heritage we must protect: treating organic waste requires proper sealing, drainage, storage and effluent management. If there are leaks, spills or treatment failures, there may be a risk of contaminating the soil and surface and groundwater. Are we ready to give up the quality of the food that many of us still grow in our gardens?
The danger of gas leaks and industrial accidents: biogas contains methane, a flammable gas. There can be a risk of explosion and of air contamination.
Noise and constant traffic: an industrial unit of this kind means frequent truck traffic, mechanical equipment running and loading and unloading. Depending on the size of the plant, these activities can increase noise, heavy traffic, damage to public roads and disturbance for those who live nearby.
Falling property values and emptying villages: who will want to buy, build or restore a house? Many of us, if we have the choice, will think about leaving… But how? Housing is so expensive! Who would buy our house, in a place that is unpleasant to live in? No one!
This is not about fear. It is about responsibility.
We do not want to spread alarm, or to claim that every biomethane project is dangerous. We do want the risks to be assessed seriously, the impacts to be studied before the plant is built, and no legitimate concern to be ignored.
We do not want to live in a degraded environment, and we do not want to be told in the future that it is too late to act.
Because the environment is not just a landscape. It is what we breathe, drink, grow and pass on to the next generations.
Because a region's development should be judged not only by the investment it attracts, but also by the quality of life it gives the people who live there.
Our voice counts!
We call on all residents to seek information, take part in public consultations, put questions to the responsible bodies and follow closely every decision about this project.
Whatever each of us thinks, we have something in common: we all want to live in a safe, healthy and dignified place.
And it is possible to look for answers to the energy challenge without forgetting that behind every project there are people, families and whole communities.
Let us not allow indifference to decide what information, dialogue and everyone's participation can help to protect.
Today we have the chance to ask for explanations, demand guarantees and defend our future.
An informed population is a better protected population.
— MOV.AP