Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, August 9, 2019 PROTEST | FROM PAGE 9 vironment (SAVE), called on the board “to do what is right for Saugus and surrounding communities that have been negatively impacted for far too long.” Manoogian offers six recommendations Longtime Wheelabrator critic Peter Manoogian said the latest rift between the town and Wheelabrator over noise warrants several reforms. Manoogian suggested that: 1.) Saugus and Revere need proof that Wheelabrator’s equipment, boilers, steam delivery and control equipment is up to date and in good working order. This place is old. Its layout is old. Adequate proof of equipment viability can only be obtained from experts in steam and steam turbine technology. 2.) Saugus and Revere need to hear from qualified, unbiased experts that Wheelabrator’s sound mitigation equipment and sound-muffling structures are of the most effective design. While Wheelabrator may be concerned about costs we need to be focused on the benefits. 3.) Saugus and Revere must have proof that adequate spare parts are on hand at all times to resolve noise issues from unintended steam releases to avoid special orders from distant vendors. 4.) Wheelabrator will always argue “intent” … that it was not their intent, or that they acted “reasonably” upon learning of the problem. I believe the Board of Health should determine what is reasonable, and in the most recent series of events it would have been reasonable to have the facility shut and the trash diverted. That would have been reasonable. 5.) Saugus and Revere need to have language (and I believe such language may exist in existing permits and waste disposal contracts) that Wheelabrator has a diversion plan for solid waste when the facility stops operation for emergency repairs. We should not have to accept any argument that a trash crisis would exist if this facility does not operate due to maintenance or repairs. Why must neighbors bear the burden of regional trash concerns? 6.) Saugus and Revere need to have sound-monitoring stations or sworn trained individuals who can initiate accepted monitoring protocols whenever sound levels create area disturbance. Both communities employ individuals to measure the temperature of hot water in restaurants to protect the public health. Is it so unreasonable to have a trained individual or individual available to perform this important monitoring? Wheelabrator apologizes Wheelabrator Technologies, Inc.’s Vice President of Environmental, Health and Safety, Jim Connolly, addressed the Board of Health and answered questions after board members heard the testimony of a dozen citizens. “Wheelabrator Saugus takes seriously our commitment to being a good neighbor,” Connolly told the board. “When we received complaints about noise associated with recent repairs to the facility, we took immediate steps to resolve the issue. We also communicated regularly with the appropriate town officials in advance of, and throughout the repair process,” Connolly said. “Nonetheless, we understand that the noise inconvenienced some of our neighbors, and we apologize for that inconvenience. We are conducting engineering evaluations to determine additional steps that we can take to minNO DEAF EARS HERE: At Monday’s show cause hearing, Board of Health Chair William Heffernan vowed that he and fellow board members will review all written and verbal testimony before considering what if any enforcement action to take against Wheelabrator Technologies, Inc. imize noise during future repairs. We are also open to discussing any suggested changes in the system by which we communicate with town officials.” Toward the conclusion of Monday’s hearing, Board of Health Chair William Heffernan expressed his concerns about improving communications between Wheelabrator and the Board of Health. Heffernan noted that Wheelabrator’s absence from Board of Health meetings over the past year has only worsened communications between Wheelabrator and the board. “I am personally asking Wheelabrator to resume attending these meetings,” Heffernan said. “Me, personally, I think both this board and Wheelabrator needs to come together again – not necessarily to break bread – but we need to talk,” he said. Heffernan thanked Connolly and other Wheelabrator officials for attending the show cause hearing. PROTEST | SEE PAGE 11
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