Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com.
In a surprise turn of events, the application for a hazardous waste facility that would house two incinerators along Delaware River in Bristol Township is being put on hold, according to township officials.
An email sent by Township Manager William McCauley to members of council was obtained Wednesday afternoon by LevittownNow.com and reads: “The Bristol Partners appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board has been withdrawn,” which confirms the application by Route 13 Bridge Partners LP of King of Prussia, Montgomery County has been put on hold.
Credit: Jeff Bohen
LevittownNow.com
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According to a report in Philly.com, Allen Toadvine, the applicant’s attorney, said, “I sent a letter to Bristol Township indicating that we’re asking them to mark the application withdrawn without prejudice at this point.”
“We haven’t decided to pull out totally. But we need additional time to gather that information. And once we do that we’ll decide whether to reapply to Bristol Township,” Toadvine told Philly.com.
Attempts to reach Toadvine by LevittownNow.com have gone unsuccessful and a message was left.
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Starting early Wednesday morning, a flurry of e-mails and calls hinted at the withdrawal of the application. The rumor picked up more steam at the Bucks County Commissioner’s meeting Wednesday morning.
Commissioner Robert Loughery said he was “certain without a doubt the application for incinerators is going to be withdrawn in Bristol Township.”
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Loughery was responding to a question posed to him by former New Jersey Governor Jim Florio, who is a lawyer working oppose the plan.
“On behalf of the Citizens of New Jersey downward from the proposed hazardous waste incinerator project in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, thank you. Please convey my gratitude to all who were responsible for its withdrawal,” Florio, in an e-mail obtained by LevittowNow.com, said to Loughery .
Attempts to reach Loughery and Florio for further comment about the exchange were not returned as of press time.
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The proposed application has caused a local furor on both sides of the Delaware River, with residents creating social media pages and petitions against the plan.
With the item on the next Bristol Township Zoning Board meeting, a large turnout was expected and there were concerns if the township building on Bath Road could accommodate the large crowd.
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Officials and representatives for the applicant said before the Zoning Board in January that the roughly 53,000-square-foot plant would be comprised of offices and two incinerators that would burn 60 tons of garbage daily. The refuse would be alcohol, cleaners, paints, medicines, aerosols, pesticides and adhesives.
The first Zoning Board meeting where the proposal was discussed there was a huge turnout for the 4 1/2 hour long meeting that had moments of drama. Supporters from both sides of the issue listened intently to the testimony, took notes, snapped pictures, and asked questions aloud often challenging the testimony being given by witnesses for Route 13 Bridge Partners.
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In the weeks since, outcry has continued. Local and state representatives including Bristol Borough and Bensalem Twp who passed resolutions against the proposed idea. Local residents also have spoken out against the proposed facility. Many were locals who have voiced concerned about the environment and the health of residents.
Bristol Township Zoning board officials could not be reached for comment at press time.
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