The Tuolumne BioEnergy facility will primarily use forest feedstock that would otherwise have been piled and burned in the forest.

At an annual usage rate of 40,000 BDT (Bone Dry Tons), this would amount to significant levels of air pollutants released to the local and regional population.

Calculations in our California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documentation indicate that the Tuolumne BioEnergy facility will significantly reduce air pollutants. Gross emissions from pile burning of nitrogen oxides (NOx) will be reduced by 70%, particulate matter (PM) by 95%, carbon monoxide (CO) by nearly 100%, and volatile organic compounds (VOC) by 99%. Thus, the facility will have a net benefit to the local and regional air quality. In addition, the facility will help reduce forest hazard fuels, improving fire safety in surrounding communities.