The non-binding Plainfield referendum doesn’t stop the Smart Technologies LLC proposal, because the state government — not the town — has authority over it.
But the lopsided result shows that despite an extensive public outreach campaign, Smart Technologies still faces a steep uphill battle to build local support. Only 12% of the town voted, but gave the project a resounding defeat: 1,148 to just 125.
Smart Technologies held a heavily attended public meeting last month where the overwhelming majority of the audience appeared to oppose the project. The company has promised jobs, new tax revenue and tighter control over rising trash-disposal costs, but homeowners say they fear pollution, health risks, traffic and damage to property values.
The company wants to build an unconventional trash-to-energy plant on about 81 acres near Route 12 and Route 14. Unlike typical trash-burning incinerators, this facility would employ “gasification” — a process of break down garbage into gases, which would power a turbine and generate electricity for the power grid.
Smart Technologies contends the system doesn’t generate the smoke and ash associated with trash incinerators, and wouldn’t be an environmental hazard.
The company, a partnership of O & G Industries and Advanced Waste Technologies International, contends its system can separate hazardous materials as well as recyclable metal and glass from a stream of municipal trash. It directs organic material to an anaerobic digester that produces a biogas capable of being converted into natural gas, and can separately process methane and carbon dioxide to prevent pollution.
So far, homeowners haven’t been swayed.
“We, the local residents, are deeply distressed by the proposed construction and operation of the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management, recycling and power generation complex near Norwich Road and Black Hill Road in Plainfield,” reads an online petition started in April.
“This matter is of personal concern because it significantly threatens our environment, health, and overall prosperity of our town,” it concludes, urging people to contact Gov. Ned Lamont and local legislators.
About 750 people have signed the petition, according to change.org.
At its public information meeting, the company maintained Plainfield could gain a lot if the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection approves permits for the project.
“We have married a number of technologies together. This is a unique system,” said William Corvo, the project manager.
“There are special benefits which apply specifically to Plainfield. Those benefits include reduction of local taxes,” Corvo said. “This is a sizeable project. It will be able to provide, once completed, several million dollars per year in new tax revenue.
“It’s not going to be the biggest employer in the town, but this facility will provide a minimum of 160 long-term jobs,” he added.
Corvo promised the company would listen to residents’ objections.
“We will take them seriously. What you have to say is important to us and we’ll react positively and try to make our project better at every step along the way with less negative impact if possible,” he said.
The referendum, however, indicates opposition remains strong. In an unusual joint letter, the town’s Republican and Democratic committees recently opposed the project.
“The reality of over 100 garbage trucks traveling daily between 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. through peaceful neighborhoods would be profoundly disruptive,” they wrote. “Furthermore, this pristine area is home to diverse wildlife, including a bald eagle nesting site, and faces significant risks of pollution to valuable underground water sources.”
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