FBCC accepts Monzon’s offer to help citizens better understand LignoTech project

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
February 17, 2016 4:01 p.m..

Local resident Medardo Monzon, who became known to the public during his impassioned pleas opposing coal transfer operations at the Port of Fernandina, addressed the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) last night in support of the LignoTech plant currently under consideration as an addition to the Rayonier Advanced Materials campus on Gum Street.

Monzon told commissioners that he has spent hundreds of hours over the last two years working with city leaders and the community to prevent bringing coal to the island via ship. He also cited his anti-fracking educational work in other areas of the county and his recent appointment to the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).

“The common thread of all these activities,” he said, “is that I have an unwavering commitment to the quality of life on Amelia Island and in the county. It is because of that unwavering commitment and all the research I have done on the LignoTech venture, including the 2+ hours that I spent during the Rayonier open house, talking to engineers, management, safety experts and so on, that I am lending my full support to the LignoTech project.

“I do not know of any other project that has come across my desk in my full professional life in which a community can actually improve jobs, improve economic development, and at the same time significantly—and I want to underline that—decreasing the environmental footprint of an industrial operation that already exists in town.

“So I want to make an offer, and I want to explain why I am making this offer. When I read the blogs, there are still a lot of suspicious people in the community. There are a lot of questions that need to be answered. … From my perspective, two years ago there was an event that fractured this community, and it was the OHPA [Ocean Highway and Port Authority] Strategic Plan. I think that is taking care of itself, but it pains me to see the amount of divisiveness that still exists on this island where industry looks at the citizens maybe suspiciously and some of our citizens look at industry suspiciously. I think that has to end.

“So the offer is to make an independent assessment by yours truly—I think I know a lot and I can speak with authority on what goes on behind those mills and all those chemical operations. If I could get 30 minutes on your agenda before you vote, and then walk the community very carefully through what those names mean, combustion, what kind of gases come from the pulp mills and so on, I am fairly confident that this community as a whole—most, not all—would certainly embrace this project. Looking at the project as a whole, including increased traffic, the benefits are overwhelming. The positive changes in emissions are real, demonstrable, and if you just walk people through it, there’s no doubt that this is a good project.

“So that’s my offer, Mr. Mayor and Commissioners. I’ve made the same offer to the Nassau County Commission, and they have accepted it. Some may say the reason I’m doing this is that I have some financial interest in Rayonier or LignoTech. This is absolutely not so. I’m willing to put my hand on the Bible and swear that is not the case. The only purpose in putting together such a presentation is a hope to heal this community and foster a better relationship between industry and community and government. I will be more than pleased to devote 5-8 hours to develop a presentation for everybody’s benefit.”

Commissioner Len Kreger said he thought Monzon had a good idea. “The more information we can put together, the better decisions we will make,” Kreger said. Other commissioners agreed. Mayor Johnny Miller said that having an individual with Monzon’s education and curiosity along with his concern for the environment willing to make a presentation would be great for the city.

Commissioners decided to schedule a workshop for Monzon’s presentation for 5:30 p.m. on March 1, immediately preceding the Regular City Commission meeting during which two resolutions on the LignoTech project will be considered.

Monzon, a native of Colombia, started a small chemical company straight out of college.  Subsequent work has taken him into research and development and management for Dow Chemical Co., Equistar Corp., and International Paper Company.

Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.