Re: Refuelling and others

>So far I've got
>
>   - don't worry about it, it won't cause any problems for several thousand
>     years,
>
>   - panic now because you're losing 2cm a year (2cm over a 10 year period
>     would start to get me worried), and
>
>   - panic yesterday because you're losing 9+cm per year.
>
>If you have to process XX tons of water to get 1 ton of fuel then you must
>be processing a lot of water.  When does this activity start to impact the
>planet?

It would obviously depend a lot on where and how the refining is done. Assuming
it's done in open water and with enough care not to contaminate the water
dumped out of the system, I wouldn't expect it to be a problem except in an
already badly weakened ecosystem.

>When do the GREENies and other radical groups start complaining
>about the environment and the destruction of water life etc etc etc and
>shut down your operation on planet.

You seem to have a fair idea: the radicals get pissed on principle, as soon
as they notice; responsible environmentalists as soon as it's measureable;
and your average sleepwalking citizens when they see their beaches receding.


  colin roald |
observer on a | what do YOU care what other people think ?   -- Arlene Feynmann
  random walk |