Eyewitness News has run a story on the controversy the draft permits have unleashed:Proposal to burn medical waste at Bristol plant raising concerns from residents.
Courant story on infection risk
In addition to the air and noise pollution, the draft permits allow the importation of infectious waste up to biosafety level 4, (BSL 4) creating the risk of the spread of disease in workers and community members. Biosafety level 4 classification is reserved for highly contagious pathogens that cause severe to fatal disease and for which there are no effective treatments or vaccine. Read more at the Hartford Courant:Consultant sees ‘occupational health issue’ in permit for burning medical waste at CT incinerator.
Southington Town Council hears about health risks
Ed Krisiunas, an expert with 35+ years in medical waste management spoke to the Southington Town Council on August 12, 2024 on medical waste and the draft permits released by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. He identifies deficiencies in the draft permits that could put workers and communities at risk of infection. Watch below. For more information, see the Hartford Courant’s article on the presentation.
Hearing scheduled and comment period extended
On Wednesday, September 7, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) held a conference of the parties, which included BRCA and Reworld (Covanta). At this meeting:
EJN comments on the draft permits
The draft permits for the burning of biomedical waste in Bristol are getting attention. Mike Ewall, founder of the Energy Justice Network and noted environmental attorney, has provided BARC with an analysis and detailed recommendations in response to the draft permits. Summary recommendations Analysis and detailed recommendations Recommendation 1 DEEP ought to require that Reworld (Covanta) abide by the federal standards for new medical waste incinerators. The air permits are headed by the words “NEW SOURCE REVIEW PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE A STATIONARY SOURCE.” As it pertains to medical waste incineration, this facility is indeed a new source. Emissions limits in […]
Recording from Monday’s meeting
Recording of Monday’s presentation at the Bristol Library and on Zoom, if you were unable to join or would like to view again. We had about 100 attendees!
Bristol Residents for Clean Air Condemns Draft Permit for Bristol Biomedical Waste Incinerator; Demand Public Hearing
Hartford, CT – July 13, 2024 – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has issued draft permits for Reworld, Inc. (formerly Covanta) to construct and operate a medical waste burning operation at their existing trash incinerator at 170 Enterprise Drive, Bristol, CT. This proposal, which DEEP released July 5, has sparked significant public health and environmental concerns and already led residents around the state to formally petition DEEP to hold a public hearing on these permits. The facility, authorized to burn up to 57 tons of biomedical waste (BMW) daily, poses severe health risks. The incineration of […]