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From tires to steam - 7.19.07
Tire Energy Corporation in Martinsville is one of only two plants in the United States generating steam power by burning waste tires. The company says it's a more environmentally-friendly alternative to using coal or fuel oil, but some environmentalists disagree. WVTF's Fred Echols talked with both sides and with state regulators and has this report. Listen.
Waste tires have been the source of both steam power and controversy at Tire Energy Corporation.
Gasses from TEC's tire kiln pass through this scrubber before heading out the stack.
Critics of Tire Energy have reported black smoke coming out of this stack. None was visible on the day of our visit.
Additional photos of the stack taken during the first half of 2007…
…without company officials' knowledge...
…don't show any visible smoke.
(Photos by: Fred Echols, WVTF News)
3520 Kingsbury Lane Roanoke, VA 24014