Transition Brockville              

Robert Laporte, CEO of Neutopia EcoSolutions, responds to Recorder & Times report of January 7:

I'm pleased to see you have posted a link to the recent article in the R&T regarding Neutopia's recycling and renewable energy multiplex. However, I'm writing to inform you that the media is making some errors in their descriptions in that we are NOT going to be using pyrolysis for municipal waste; the pyrolysis system will be in another building in the clean energy and mineral isolation section. This seems to be confusing to a lot of people because we talk about pyrolysis of biomass at our meetings, and discuss the potential benefits of producing biochar for use in agriculture. We explain that it is being "hailed by some as a type of super-fertilizer" (bad choice of words), and that some studies show the potential to increase crop yields among a host of other benefits. The biochar production plant is only a component of the entire renewable energy park and has nothing to do with the municipal waste sorting and recycling facility.

Neutopia is not offering only one technology; we are a network of more than two dozen companies and therefore can provide a variety of technologies that each solve a particular problem whether it's a waste management problem or energy inefficiency. We also have different types of process equipment that make renewable energy systems more efficient.

The municipal waste, like each of our different types of feedstocks, will enter the complex through the same gate but will be processed through the technology specific for that feedstock and for the desired end product. The MSW will be processed through Neutopia's Refuse to Resource System, pre-treating different types of waste for further processing in another area of the complex and/or preparing it for proper conversion or reuse. Some systems are similar to the ones already used at the Materials Recovery Facility on California Ave. in Brockville, except that Neutopia's system is capable of accepting 'dripping garbage bags' and not merely pre-sorted (i.e.: already prepped for recycling) residential waste.

Furthermore, our MSW-derived materials are not simply separated to be sold on the commodities market but rather we will be harnessing the technologies that will enable us to convert some of that material into clean energy. If we go ahead with our facility the MRF in Brockville may secure a long-term local buyer for materials they don't have any use for. For example, our papers, cardboards,organics and plastics will be separated and converted into other value added products within our multiplex. Remember, this will be North Americas first carbon-NEGATIVE renewable energy facility so we will not be emitting anything in any of our processes that Environment Canada might oppose. Rather, we will be using technologies that they recommend.

So as you can see, our process does not include burning or incineration of waste at all, and this is unfortunately the first response by people who are not fully educated about renewable energy technologies. It should also be noted that Neutopia only promotes systems and technologies already approved and in use in communities across North America, and that is why municipal governments are receptive to our plans. If anyone opposes our plans you have to dig deeper and try to figure out if they have political reasons or if they simply haven't even talked to somebody involved in the project to better understand the process.

You may also be interested to hear that the whole park will be complemented with a variety of renewable energy systems to truly promote the potential that we have to really embrace these technologies. I'm talking about solar PV, solar thermal, small-scale wind, maybe even geothermal and hydrokinetic systems, biogas, anaerobic digesters and compost facilities (we have an extensive network of participating companies making our portfolio a comprehensive renewable energy offering for every type of client whether it's a medium-sized company or an entire community.

I met with Mr. Hugh Campbell last October to inform him of our plans and to discuss Neutopia's Social Profit business model. I also offered to present to the Brockville Climate Action Group when the time was right. I think that time has come. We are pleased to know that Brockville has an active group who show an interest in 'going green' and in promoting clean energy. Neutopia would appreciate your support in educating the public, and hope that your members would be interested in learning more about our project and encourage them to speak up when anyone says anything negative about 'going green'.

We are planning on holding a seminar which will have major sponsorship and endorsed by high profile companies, including Ontario politicians. We already have the support of some mayors who are well-versed in clean energy systems, especially from the people who actually met with us and gave us the time to present our plans in greater detail. Unfortunately some people are narrow-minded (and one mayor in particular just doesn't show up at our meetings or return our phone calls...) and it is those types of people we need to reach to explain what we are proposing because we cannot afford to allow them to continue to be ignorant. They represent their communities and it is our experience that most people in the community do not want their waste sent to rot in a landfill and pollute the air when it could be sorted, recycled, or converted into 'green' products.

I should mention at this point that I have spoken with management of both Waste Management and WSI and both expressed significant interest because it would lead to more jobs for them and greater revenue potential, especially if they aren't being charged excessive tipping fees to drop off bags at landfill sites (which is a cost that is transferred to the residents of the community!).

Traditionally a Materials Recovery Facility is very expensive and not economical for small towns because of the low volume of waste. Neutopia's system is unique because it combines recycling with the most energy efficient process equipment and renewable energy systems. harnessing these technologies enables processing of Municipal Waste to be not only economical, but a revenue generator. And our Social Profit business model intends to retrofit outdated waste management plans of communities who are wasting their waste resources to convert them into profits that we can use to help ease suffering around the world. One community at a time.

I am available anytime if you have any questions, or if any members would like to meet casually to discuss our plans. The seminar will likely be in Feb or early March. We will give you 4 weeks notice and hope you will invite your members.

Best regards,
Robert Laporte
President & CEO
Neutopia ecoSOLUTIONS Inc.