With regards to an article of Aug. 10, addressing our neighbour’s wood boiler.
Mr. Olsen stopped burning wood properly, over four years ago. Since then he has been operating a unit that is designed to operate at very low temperatures, gases emitted by the smouldering wood are not consumed and broken down by the heat of full combustion. Harmful emissions are released through a very short chimney; they flow at ground level whichever way the wind blows.
MoH, and Council of Salmon Arm, has deemed these units hazardous to health. Salmon Arm has banned these units as of July 2007. They have no control over the type of materials burned, nor the amount of effluent discharged. They have no control ever the expansion of the uses of these burners, which has happened recently.
Mr. Olsen advises 13 people have signed a petition. None of the signatories live downwind from Mr. Olsen. MoE has reported that winds carry from Olsen’s burner directly into our home. The ministry advises that the burners cause most of their damage at night. They advise personal symptoms are the best indicators of issues.
Both ministries have been receiving photos and reports of personal symptoms for near four years. They have received reports from lung specialists that these emissions are causing harm. Both refuse to take action.
I have COPD, as well as heart issues. Now matters have gotten worse, as Shirley has acquired a very serious lung condition. On June 5 she entered hospital, and was placed on life support. She remained in an induced coma for five days. Her diagnosis was total pulmonary collapse. Three months later, her lungs have only partially recovered. We are unsure if they will.
Now that burning season is about to begin we must again endure the lack of action by our government at all levels, and the poisons of Mr. Olsen.
We cannot move, as we must make a purchaser aware of the issues; ask yourself, Ms. Editor, would you move your young family into this environment?
Bill and Shirley Barker