New Jersey environmentalist Lisa McCormick sent a letter to the United States Virgin Islands Public Services Commission (PSC) urging the agency to reject the proposed project to convert all garbage on St. John into fuel for a power plant.
McCormick’s letter highlights significant environmental, economic, and social concerns associated with waste-to-energy (WtE) technology.
In her letter, McCormick emphasizes the substantial environmental risks posed by WtE plants, which include the production of toxic waste and air pollution, as well as contributions to climate change.
“WtE facilities emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, particulate matter, and harmful substances like polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs),” said McCormick, who noted the potential for ash to contain high levels of heavy metals and dioxins, turning a solid waste problem into a toxic nightmare.
McCormick also addresses the economic challenges of WtE projects.
“The construction and operation of these facilities require substantial investment, with costs significantly higher than alternative energy sources,” said McCormick. “Investment costs for WtE plants can be three times higher than for woodchip combined heat and power (CHP) plants and four times higher than for pulverized coal power plants.”
She warns that such financial burdens could strain the limited resources of the Virgin Islands, diverting funds from more sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
Additionally, McCormick cautions that WtE plants can undermine more sustainable waste management practices and renewable energy initiatives.
“By focusing on incineration, we risk destroying valuable materials that could otherwise be recycled or composted, thus promoting a less circular economy,” said McCormick. “Reliance on WtE technology can also discourage investment in and the development of truly renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.”
Citing the experience of communities in Delhi, India, and her former hometown of Rahway, where incinerators caused concerns over air quality and job threats, McCormick underscores the importance of carefully scrutinizing the promises of WtE technology.
“I used to live near a solid waste incinerator in Rahway, New Jersey, and can testify to issues like air pollution, health risks, environmental contamination, unpleasant odors, noise, regulatory violations, and high costs,” said McCormick. “The promise to convert all the garbage on St. John into fuel for a power plant sounds ‘too good to be true’ because this proposed project is built on a foundation of lies.”
She urges the PSC and WAPA to explore alternative waste management solutions that emphasize reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting, alongside investment in renewable energy sources.
“I advocate for exploring alternative waste management solutions that emphasize reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting, alongside investment in truly renewable energy sources,” said McCormick. “Such an approach will not only protect our environment and public health but also ensure a more sustainable and economically viable future for our community.”