State Representative & Bristol Council Come Out Against Planned Incinerators

The fight to ensure that proposed incinerators do not pass the smell test for Bristol Township Zoning Board continued with State Rep. John Galloway and Bristol Borough Council joining in.

State Rep. John Galloway said recently that citizens of his district, which includes Falls, Tullytown and Bristol Borough, have come to him in opposition of the proposed plan by Route 13 Bristol Partners LP  to construct an industrial hazardous waste burner near the Delaware River in Bristol Township.

Citizens have called to voice their concern, Galloway said. “I’m in agreement with them. It’s not the right location for that sort of business,” he said. It’s right in the middle of a community where there are families, schools, other businesses.”

Galloway said he realizes the planned incinerators are in State Rep. Tina Davis’ district but has many of the same concerns Davis voiced earlier this month to LevittowNow.com.

Echoing Galloway’s stance, Bristol Borough Councilman Gregg Pezza said he is also opposed to the application that now sits before the Bristol Township Zoning Board.

Pezza was behind the motion opposing the proposed waste incinerators that passed at Monday night’s council meeting. He said he worked with several local residents to get three-page resolution passed.

Dr. Melinda Murray Ratini, a Bristol resident, said Monday night that the incinerator would have adverse health impacts the proposed incinerator could have if built along the Delaware River.

Ratini said she watched the testimony given during the last Bristol Township Zoning Board meeting where the incinerator was discussed. She said she found the information provided “misleading and, quite frankly, very insulting.”

The doctor, who boasts a resume solid with experience in her field, said the people behind the incinerators may claim it is safe, but the only safe incinerator is one with zero emissions, which is impossible. She listed birth defects, cancer, developmental issues and skin problems all as side effects of the chemicals burn in incinerators.

“Beyond the obvious health, environmental and property value concerns, the incinerator will virtually destroy the potential for eco-friendly development as laid out in the Bucks County Waterfront Revitalization Plan. The plan was developed in 2005 for the County Commissioners, the Redevelopment Authority and every riverfront municipality from Morrisville to Bensalem. It most certainly did not  provide for a hazardous waste incinerator. This flies in the face of our economic development efforts,” Pezza said.

Moreover, Pezza also pointed the potential for economic benefits Bristol Township might experience as a result passing the ordinance request.

“With regard to the estimated eighty temporary construction jobs the incinerator will create, we are very sensitive to job creation projects, but this project is short- sighted because, in the long run, it will cost construction jobs that would be created if the revitalization plan is implemented,” he said.

Galloway did have some interesting thoughts about incinerators in general , saying the business exists for a reason – “there is a need and we have to recognize that this business exists for a reason”, he said. “It’s to get rid of this type of industrial waste and the question becomes if not here then where?”

Galloway added: “I don’t trust third-world countries to burn the waste with the surrounding environment or people in mind.” He added that he is dead set against the idea in Bristol Township.

Sources close to the zoning board have said it is continuing in its due diligence in terms of researching the issue before making its final decision.

Zoning Board chair Chuck Clayton tabled the last meeting because, he said at the time, he wanted to hear more information from both sides of the issue.

“I have to listen to the concerns of all involved” Clayton said, “before making a final decision.”

Sources close to the Bristol Township Council said over the weekend: “there is no way council passes this. We don’t want it here”

“In projects such as these, where the negative environmental and economic impact transcends municipal boundaries, the voices of surrounding communities must be heard,” Pezza said before Bristol Council passed a three-page resolution on Monday night that he was against the incinerators.

Dr. Melinda Murray Ratini, a Bristol resident, was among a number of other attendees at the meeting wearing tee shirts expressing their opposition to the plan said she found the information provided “misleading and, quite frankly, very insulting.”

Bristol resident Kevin McCloskey is working against the incinerator and said he wonders where Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick stands on the issues. He said he also wants to know the individuals behind the incinerator plans, which, so far, is a mystery.

“Those who are telling you how safe the incinerators are do not build them near their own houses or in their own communities. They want to build them in ours. And this is totally irresponsible and reprehensible,” Ratini said.

“In projects such as these, where the negative environmental and economic impact transcends municipal boundaries, the voices of surrounding communities must be heard,”  Pezza said before Monday’s council meeting.

The Delaware Keeper Network sent out a press release encouraging residents of the area to attend the Bucks County Commissioners Meeting, Bristol Township Council meeting and the zoning board meeting scheduled to be held on February 24 at 7 p.m. Moreover they have asked locals to write their elected state and federal officials  voicing there opposition to the planned incinerators.

An online petition, a Facebook page, New Jersey, Bensalem Twp. Council, State Rep’s Davis and Galloway and now Bristol Council have all come out against plan to build the incinerators in Bristol Township, among a host of other groups and citizens in the region.

“This hazardous waste incinerator would be a disaster for our community and that we need to work together as a town to fight this blatant environmental and social injustice,” Ratini said.

On February 24, the Bristol Twp. Zoning Board will make its decision known.