Silicon smelter raises questions, concerns

I am writing to you with a deep concern. With some fear and a sick feeling deep in my stomach. Several months ago I became aware of the plans for HiTest to build a silicon smelter in the Newport, Wash., area, on the Idaho line. As a downwind resident, I have spent the time since learning as much as I could about silicon smelting and everything that goes along with it as well as reading about other currently built smelters such as the ones in Iceland, near Niagara Falls, and in Mississippi to name a few.

While I started out with no opinion one way or the other on this topic since I knew nothing at all about silicon smelting, it was not hard to find enough information to make me very concerned. Frankly, it’s hard for me to understand how anyone can think a smelter like this is a good idea in a rural residential area where the single biggest draw for most people who live, visit, or spend their money here is the relatively pristine environment. Don’t just take my word for it, it’s not at all hard to look up for yourself even the best case numbers on pollution and toxins that HiTest plans to be getting a permit to emit. And please remember that getting a permit to emit something poisonous does not make that thing any less poisonous. It simply allows you to legally poison those around you.

Admittedly, I use some products myself that contain silicon such as the solar panels that provide power to my home or in the laptop I am using right now. And I had never before given a single thought to how or where it came from. I regret this ignorance. Though I live a relatively minimalistic life compared to most Americans, being driven to learn about this process has made me stop and think about what other things might I be using that are sickening or poisoning those who live near their production? Discarding the things already purchased at this point would probably just be wasteful, but this knowledge will certainly inform future purchases. I am not advocating just a “don’t put it in my back yard attitude,” but believe that if something is this toxic to those nearby it’s production, maybe it shouldn’t be produced until we figure out how to do so without emitting toxins and poisoning the surrounding environment. I realize that may be a minority viewpoint, but I think we could at least agree that if a toxic plant is going to be running, why not locate it in an already dead or empty area, where sadly people have already had to leave or die, not destroy something new?

The draw of the opportunity for good paying jobs is quite understandable, but I see several problems with this. First, if you do a bit of research yourself into what goes on inside a silicon smelter, and ask yourself, would you personally want that job? I would not. Would it be worth trading your heath and potentially life for a “good paying job?” Secondly, even if you do answer the first question with a yes, many of us want good jobs so we can provide well for our families and those we love and care for. If the creation of a “good job” comes with the potential for many health issues for, and the possible increased risk of loosing those very people we care about and want to provide for, is that worth it? And if you still answer yes to both of those things, think for a minute about not just the jobs the smelter is planning to create, but those that may be lost as a result. If the water, air, and soil all become toxic, what is going to happen to timber jobs as the trees start dying? To ski, boating, fishing, and general recreation jobs as people rarely plan vacations to toxic polluted areas? To all the many jobs from grocery stores, hotels, gas stations, restaurants, etc as people stop visiting or retiring to the area to avoid the toxic fumes?

I hoped to spend the rest of my life right here growing my own food, breathing clean air, enjoying the mountains and wildlife, being a good neighbor and helping others when possible. The possibility of one poorly thought out project ruining that for myself and many of the rest of you is very disheartening.

Please don’t just listen to me, but do your own research, look up the facts on other smelters, and don’t just assume that anything that claims to create a job must be a good thing. If you too conclude this is something that could potentially destroy everything that is great about North Idaho, make your voice heard at every level of government and regulatory agency as well!

ARIEL McGLOTHLIN

Sandpoint