THE REVERE ADVOCATE – Friday, February 14, 2020 Page 3 DEP’s decision on Wheelabrator’s emission control plan irks Rep. Vincent and Saugus selectmen By Mark E. Vogler T he state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has determined that Wheelabrator Saugus, Inc.’s Emission Control Plan for its trash-to-energy plant on Route 107 is “technically complete” and complies with air pollution control regulations. But state Rep. RoseLee Vincent, D-Revere, and members of the Saugus Board of Selectmen this week expressed great dismay about this week’s release of a document that they claim sends a missed message on what Wheelabrator will be allowed in Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. Under the plan released on Tuesday, it appears that the DEP’s emission standards are more stringent by denying Wheelabrator’s request to increase the levels of Nitrogen oxides the plant can emit. But another provision allows the company to buy Emission Reduction Credits (ERCs) in order to meet more stringent standards. Nitrogen oxides are poisonous and highly reactive gases that can contribute to respiratory and heart problems. “I am deeply, deeply disturbed, and quite frankly outraged, that MassDEP is once again failing to protect the people of my district as they always do when it comes to this dinosaur of an incinerator,” Vincent told The Advocate. “The DEP asserts that they are requiring Wheelabrator Saugus to meet the 150 particles-permillion emission limit for Nitrogen Oxides (NOx). However, they are allowing this to be done by letting the company purchase ‘Emission Reduction Credits’ from other municipal waste combustors in the Commonwealth that meet and exceed today’s standards,” said Vincent, whose 16th Suff olk District includes two Saugus precincts -- including Precinct 10, where the incinerator on Route 107 is located. “So, essentially, Wheelabrator Saugus can discharge higher than acceptable emissions into the air that we breathe, as long as they are paying for these socalled credits. This is reprehensible and beyond unacceptable,” she said, “Sadly, I am not surprised that the MassDEP did not have the fortitude to stand up and force Wheelabrator to comply in a reasonable manner. This agency has a consistent track record of failing in its core mission to protect the people who live in Wheelabrator Saugus’ shadow.” Wheelabrator “reviewing details” of DEP decision Wheelabrator officials had little to say about the plan approved by the DEP. “We received MassDEP’s approval of our Emissions Control Plan Tuesday and we are in the process of reviewing its details,” Wheelabrator Director of Communications & Community Engagement Michelle Nadeau said in a brief statement to the newspaper. Vincent was one of 40 residents -- mostly from Saugus and Revere -- who testifi ed during a three-hour hearing in the Saugus High School auditorium last October on DEP’s draft approval of Wheelabrator’s ECP. All those speakers -- mostly from Revere and Saugus -- opposed the plan. Many of them expressed concerns about the Emission Reduction Credits Selectman Debra Panetta spoke out this week about what she saw as a lack of fairness to residents throughout the area. “The DEP is requiring Wheelabrator to adhere to the 150 PPM, but they will allow Wheelabrator to buy credits from more efficient incinerators to make up the diff erence in their Saugus plant's inefficiencies,” Panetta said. “This means, the people of Saugus, Revere, and Lynn will have to live with the higher nitrogen oxide levels, which will negatively impact our health and the health of our families. This isn't fair or just. The health and well-being of our residents should be of the utmost priority for the DEP,” she said. “If all the other incinerators in Massachusetts can meet this requirement, so should Wheelabrator Saugus. Just because this is the oldest incinerator in the nation doesn't mean that it shouldn't be held to the same standards as all other incinerators.” Selectman Corinne Riley said she “couldn't be more disappointed in the MassDEP decision” which allows Wheelabrator to exceed the 150 ppm nitrous oxide emission standard. “I, along with dozens of other residents from Saugus and Revere, spoke against allowing this at the October DEP hearing at the high school. The concerns of every speaker except Wheelabrator’s representative have been ignored by the MassDEP,” Riley said. “This is just not a Precinct 10 issue; all residents of Saugus and surrounding communities will be adversely aff ected by this decision. I will do everything I can to fi ght this decision.” Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini said he was “saddened” about the DEP’s decision that allowed Wheelabrator to purchase credits, but not require the capital investments be made in the plant to lower the NOx level. “The MDEP exists to protect the health and ensure the safety and well-being of our residents and those of surrounding communities,” Cicolini said. “I fi nd it hard to believe it can be said that MDEP is living up to its intended mission based on the concessions they continue to make by off ering extension after extension of the fi nal capping of the landfi ll and now this. Truly unfortunate and very discouraging to say the least,” he said. The DEP’s 30-page ruling was accompanied by 42 pages of responses to public feedback at the October hearing and the agency’s responses. “MassDEP notes and appreciates that the Town of Saugus Board of Health submitted a comment letter by its independent peer reviewer, GeoInsight, who concurred with MassDEP that the “… 185 ppm limit is not adequate but the 150 ppm limit is adequate…,” the report said. “MassDEP acknowledges that several commenters supported the Draft ECP limit of 150 ppm NOx for the Saugus Facility. EMISSION | SEE PAGE 18 Settipane Insurance Agency Of Boston |Since 1969 207A Squire Road, Revere 781-284-1100 Auto • Homeowners Call for the Lowest Quote! “Experience Makes the Difference” Tenants • Commercial Se Habla Español * Free Parking Before Northgate Shopping Center BILLY PEZZULO Start Your Weekend at the Marina Dance Party! 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