Biomass Energy Center - 2010 Bioenergy Shortcourse Series: Emissions and Health Impacts of Biomass Combustion

20 May, 2010
Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel
State College, PA 16801

About the Event

While biomass combustion provides renewable, locally produced, low carbon fuel for our nation, concerns have arisen as to whether or not it is safe, from an air quality and health standpoint, to burn wood and other solid biomass fuels for heat, power, and electricity. How much pollution does biomass combustion cause? What are the health risks? What kinds of policies and programs should we be implementing? What should we be doing about older, existing equipment, as opposed to new devices?

This one day workshop will explore these and related questions as national experts in air pollution, health, and policy come together to "start the dialogue" on this important issue that has bearing on the future of biomass energy as well as the health of the nation.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is ideally suited for policy makers and government officials who are interested in learning more on this topic and engaging in a dialogue towards a goal of healthy, sustainable energy. Equipment manufacturers and project developers should also plan on attending, and gaining valuable insight on new developments in this area.

Topics / Program

The day's program will be divided into four areas:

Biomass combustion emissions - what they are and how they behave
Health effects and public health impacts of biomass combustion emissions
Mitigation strategies and equipment
Policies and programs for sustainability

The event will include a mix of presentations and roundtable discussions, allowing attendees to engage the expert speakers and network with other participants.

Preliminary Schedule
9:00	Sign-in and Coffee
9:30	Welcome and Introductions
9:45	Characteristics of Biomass Combustion Emissions
10:15	Break
10:30	An Overivew of Health Impacts from Biomass Combustion
11:05	Health Impacts from Combustion Particulates
11:40	Estimating Community Health Impacts of Increased Residential Biomass Combustion Emissions in Pennsylvania
12:15	Lunch
13:15	Emissions Capture and Disposal - strategies and performance
14:15	Break
14:45	Biomass Emissions Policy - the new Federal Standards
15:25	Roundtable Discussion
16:30	Close

Speakers

National and regional experts in combustion, emissions, and public health will share the newest developments in this important and relevant area.

The list of speakers includes:

Stan Harding, NS Harding and Assoc.
Sam Kumar, Babcock and Wilcox
Luke Naeher - University of Georgia
Tom Richard - Director, Penn State Institutes of Energy and the Environment
Bill Schrock - US Environmental Protection Agency
John Slade, All4 Inc.
Judy Zelikoff, New York University

Registration Information

Registration cost: Early Registration is $75 (up to May 4th). - includes full buffet lunch, morning and afternoon coffee break. After May 4th, registration is $100.

State and local officials are eligible for a special reduced rate of $15 (early registration), $40 after May 12th, thanks to generous sponsorship by the Richard K. Mellon Foundation.

ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES MAY 12, 2010.