Questions and Concerns About the Incinerator
That Have Been Brought to County and State Officials
Types of Waste
Recyclable material should be removed
Mr. Skaggs, At the Waste Options forum on Wed. October 28, 2009 those of us in attendance heard two of the speakers (professionals in this field) specifically state that recyclable material should be removed from the waste stream prior to incineration. However, when you were asked why the contract between your agency and Wheelabrator does not account for this common sense requirement, you would not answer the question. Why not?
You directed questions about the contractual obligations to the county commissioners. Our commissioners are not able to answer these types of questions — you are as the Deputy Director of the Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority. (Our pro-incinerator commissioners have not admitted whether they have even read the contract.)
Is it not true that your agency is well aware that recycling requirements are not addressed within that contract? In fact one of the complaints with the Montgomery County incinerator is that there is a "failure to include source separation, waste reduction, and recycling as part of their best available control technology analysis"?
May I please remind you that the NMWDA was formed "for the benefit of the people of the State of Maryland, the increase of their commerce, welfare and prosperity, and the improvement of their health and living conditions..." Mr. Skaggs, within your duties of contract management it seems to me that you have an obligation to the citizens of Frederick and Carroll counties to fully address all of these kind of questions. Full and complete transparency should be paramount within your agency.
You work for the State of Maryland, not the incinerator industry.
Therefore, Mr. Skaggs I find your attempt to pass the buck unacceptable. Please explain why the NMWDA is failing to answer the questions to which all of the citizens of Frederick and Carroll Counties and of the State of Maryland should have answers. I anxiously await your response.
Frederick News-Post, Wed. October 26, 2009 pg. A-2 Clarification A story on page A-5 Tuesday should have stated the Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority will own the waste-to-energy plant on behalf of Frederick and Carroll counties. This is in addition to managing the project, which will be built and operated by Wheelabrator.
Medical waste
During the Feb. 3, 2009 work session, there was discussion about a variety of items, including sludge and FOG (fats, oils and grease) being included as acceptable material. If medical waste is supposed to be excluded, where in the service contract is this stated? See page 21 of the contract. The problem with medical waste is not in the burning but in the transporting of dangerous material through the county to the incinerator.
ANSWER: Mike Marschner stated that the Maryland Department of the Environment will determine what kind of waste will be "processed" (burned) at the regional incinerator planned for Frederick County. He cited Maryland Special Medical Waste, [COMAR 26.13.11.02B(11)] is Prohibited at Municipal Solid Waste Combustion Facilities, including the Montgomery County incinerator. However, the proposed incinerator contract for Frederick County does not explicitly state medical waste is disallowed, but that we are depending on state law to stop such materials from traveling across our roads and to prevent them from being burned in the Authority's regional facility.
FOLLOW-UP QUESTION: Is it in the best interest of the citizens of this county to amend the proposed contract to assure that despite what any law may state over the next 30 years, such material will not be allowed — ever?
Used mattresses
(See video at 01:22:15) and DSUWM states they want to follow the EPA's waste hierarchy (which puts recycling of materials before incinerating recyclable resources), should the amended solid waste management plan (SWMP) add language acknowledging and researching the technology about mattress recycling — especially a SWMP update that would allow and encourage small businesses in Frederick County? (See article.)
Construction materials
I understand there is some interest by local entrepreneurs to be allowed to operate a local construction and demolition recovery facility. Could an amendment to the SWMP be considered to allow such businesses in Frederick County?
