GAS-L: Gasification = mass burn incineration?

["Berton, Fernando" <FBerton@CIWMB.ca.gov>]

Title: Gasification = mass burn incineration?

This statement was recently made in a letter to the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) and I would like opinions from experts as to the veracity if this claim.  The CIWMB has been interested in using gasification of solid waste as an alternative to landfilling and is aware of one facility in Woolongong, Australia that is in shakedown mode.  There is one project proponent in California that would gasify cellulosic material in which all recyclables and plastics have been removed.  Given this particular feedstock, is the following statement accurate.

"One analysis by the US EPA would appear to suggest toxic air emissions from gasification of solid waste equal to or greater than mass burn incineration."

Another question:  What is the difference between starved air combustion and gasification/pyrolysis.  My sense of the latter is that it is in an oxygen-depleted environment thus not allowing combustion.  I liken it to baking a lasagna instead of barbecuing a steak.  Is that an accurate metaphor?