Page 4 THE REVERE ADVOCATE–Friday, October 18 , 2019 DEP | FROM PAGE 1 DEP draft document until they learned about the ERCs. The only way Wheelabrator can meet this new limit on paper is by buying ERCs instead of actually reducing the levels of NOx emissions from the incinerator. “An ERC is a ‘credit’ created by another facility that is emitting NOx at levels below its emission limit,” according to a recent press release issued by the Alliance for Health and Environment. “If Wheelabrator purchases enough of these credits, DEP would treat Wheelabrator as if it were only emitting 150 ppm of NOx, even if the Saugus incinerator is actually emitting NOx at much higher levels,” the Alliance noted. Wheelabrator’s response Jim Connolly, Wheelabrator Vice President of Environmental, Health and Safety, was the 41st and last to testify during the DEP hearing, which was attended by about 150 people. He was the lone supporter of the plan. “Waste-to-energy is an environmentally beneficial means of managing our solid waste. It is recognized around the world as an effective way to reduce greenhouse gases by offsetting the use of fossil fuels, divert trash from landfills and recycle metals,” Connolly said. “Wheelabrator Saugus will continue to meet and outperform stringent state and federal air quality standards, as we have always done. We appreciate having the opportunity to address any erroneous information about our business,” he said. Ricky Serino, a Revere resident and legislative assistant to Rep. Vincent, made a return to the podium following Connolly’s comments to emphasize for the DEP that “not a single person spoke in support of the draft emissions control plan.” Eminating from The Clubhouse in Chelsea... A Tradition Continues Just as we prepare a great steak, we strive to provide a dining experience just the way you like it. Function Room up to 75 Guests 817 Broadway (Route 1 South), Saugus (781) 558-2271 LEADING OFF: State Rep. RoseLee Vincent was the first of 40 speakers who testified unanimously against Wheelabrator’s emission control plan at a public hearing in Saugus High School on Tuesday night. (Saugus Advocate Photo by Mark E. Vogler) Edward J. Braczyk, the permit chief of the DEP’s Northeast Regional Office and the hearing officer who presided over the four-member panel during Tuesday night’s hearing, said the DEP would consider the verbal as well as written testimony before making a decision on the DEP document. Braczyk occasionally told speakers to shorten or sum up their testimony. But for the most part, he allowed speakers to vent on past complaints about the trash-to-energy plant and how they believe it adversely affected their quality of life and health. Several of the speakers mentioned high cancer rates in the area surrounding the Wheelabrator plant, which they believe were linked to the incinerator. “In 2016, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health conducted a study to investigate such concerns and found in their report (issued March 9, 2016) that ‘overall, there does not seem to be an unusual pattern of cancer in the community of Saugus’ (page 18, V. Conclusion),” Connolly said in response to that testimony following the hearing. Several residents said they believe material on their cars or houses came from Wheelabrator. “Last year, in response to Wheelabrator’s offer to the community to test the material to determine its source, one organization, the Point of Pines Yacht Club in Revere, had questions about material on boats,” Connolly said in a statement after the meeting. “In response, Wheelabrator commissioned a study by an independent chemist to analyze the material. Using electron microscopy, microbial analysis and metals analysis, the study found no evidence that the material had come from Wheelabrator,” Connolly said. Vincent: “How can this be right?” Vincent, whose 16th Suffolk District includes two Saugus precincts – including 10, where the incinerator on Route 107 is located – was the leadoff speaker. She reiterated her position expressed in an interview last week with The Advocate that she initially supported the DEP document, which appeared to require Wheelabrator to comply with the proposed emission standards. But after considering the ERCs, Wheelabrator would be in compliance “on paper,” but not really. DEP | SEE PAGE 5 Restaurant Hours Monday – Wednesday 11:00 A.M. – 9:30 P.M. Thursday – Saturday 11:00 A.M. – 10:30 P.M. Sunday 12:00 P.M. – 9:30 P.M. Lounge open until 1 a.m. Our Menu features Classics, Premium Barbecue, Seafood, Lunch Specials, House Specials, Healthy Options, and Beverages for all occasions.
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