If ultimately approved, the application by Route 33 Bridge Partners LP would pave the way for a 50,000-square-foot hazardous waste incinerator along the Delaware River.
by Amy Batista, Special Writer
FLORENCE — The Township Council went on official record objecting to a proposed hazardous waste incinerator being considered by the Bristol Township Zoning Hearing Board across the Delaware River in Pennsylvania.
The governing body made its formal objection during the Feb. 5 council meeting.
According to published reports, the Bristol Township Zoning Board will continue to consider the proposal at a meeting Feb. 24.
If ultimately approved, the application by Route 33 Bridge Partners LP would pave the way for a 50,000-square-foot hazardous waste incinerator along the Delaware River.
”I just want to let the public know that the Florence Township will be opposing the incinerator that is going to be to attempted to be made in Bristol Township,” said Councilman Jerry Sandusky.
”Florence Township is opposed to the hazardous waste incinerator for the same reason so many other township are against the proposal,” said Mr. Richard Brook, township administrator.
”It is a potential liability that will impact the quality of life for residents,” Mr. Brook added. “Who wants a hazardous waste incinerator so close to where they live and commute? The concerns are numerous, and it is surprising that the state of Pennsylvania has not been more vocal in examining this proposal in detail.
”The residents of Pennsylvania should be concerned and we are hopeful that Bristol Township will defend the rights of their residents and all people who live in both sides of the Delaware River,” Mr. Brook added. “The environment should be preserved for all people, and for generations to come.”
The mayor and Township Council initially expressed opposition to the proposed incinerator in December, Mr. Brook noted.
Mr. Brook said that other communities along the Delaware River will be impacted in addition to Burlington City.
He further called proposal a “callous application designed to engage in an activity that could leave residents in both states vulnerable.”
”Those of us who work in public service have an obligation to do what is best for residents of our respective communities,” Mr. Brook said. “There is no amount of money that should sway a municipality to approve a proposal that could have environmental consequences for residents. That is contrary to our responsibility as public servants.”
Mr. Brook additionally said he feels that the incinerator is being proposed with no regard for the wellbeing of the residents and the residents should be “outraged.”
”The residents of Pennsylvania should be outraged that an entity formed within the past year or so is proposing a hazardous waste incinerator with no regard for the wellbeing of residents in Pennsylvania or New Jersey,” Mr. Brook said.
He compared the situation to the “unfortunate families in West Virginia who are dealing with a chemical spill that has impacted their drinking water and daily lives.”
”This proposal could have the same potential effect,” he said. “Residents have a right to be concerned not only about their own health and quality of life, but also about the quality of life for their children. Not only now, but in the future.”
Resident John Lauricella said he was pleased that the council joined with the other communities in the in opposing the incinerator.
”I’m glad that you are going to oppose that incinerator,” said Mr. Lauricella. “Are we are joining with the other communities to have one attorney represent New Jersey and just pay our share?”
”We are all working together,” Mayor Craig Wilkie responded, specifically referring to shared services.
Mr. Brook was not certain what other towns have opposed the incinerator in Burlington County as of press time.
”I have not heard of a town along the river in New Jersey that is not opposing the hazardous waste incinerator,” Mr. Brook said. “At this point, each township has to decide if it will help cover the cost of fighting this specific zoning application. I do know that Edgewater, Burlington City and Florence Township are committed.”
Burlington City Solicitor George Saponaro and former Gov. James J. Florio are representing the city’s interests.
”Mr. Saponaro is working closely with Mr. Florio & Perrucci on this matter,” said Lisa Schiller, is on the administrative staff of Burlington City on Feb. 10.
The move by the Florence Township Council comes nearly a month after the Bordentown Township Committee adopted a similar resolution against the incinerator.