Testimony in Opposition to Permit Applications by Wheelabrator Putnam, Inc.

CT Zero Waste Testimony

We are writing as a group of concerned experts, residents, and environmental advocates in opposition to the proposed permits and modification of permits to enable expansion of the Wheelabrator ash landfill in Putnam with capacity to handle 7-10 times the volume needed to serve Connecticut. 2 / CT Zero Waste Testimony, 10/15/2021 We respectfully request that you deny Application Nos. 201903454, 201500823, 201903451, and 201903452 to expand the landfill and discharge (via the water pollution control facility) into the sewer and the groundwater, and then inevitably into the Quinebaug River. Ash can blow off of the landfill into the nearby community and environment. If airborne ash and leachate is allowed to be discharged in this way it will be detrimental to human health, wildlife habitats, and the environment. Incinerator ash and its leachate are known to contain toxics that are harmful to human health and persist in the environment. Most notably, these include chemicals and metals such as dioxins and furans, mercury, lead, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS, known as forever chemicals, are highly persistent and can last in the environment for thousands of years. PFAS are also highly toxic to humans in very low doses. Epidemiological research shows that PFAS can cause high cholesterol, low birth weights, certain cancers, and immune system and thyroid disruption. CT DEEP has identified the Quinebaug River ecosystem as an area of natural diversity in its Natural Diversity Database. The DEEP website indicates the importance of natural diversity regions: The Natural Diversity Database maps represent approximate locations of endangered, threatened, and special concern species and significant natural communities in Connecticut. The locations of species and natural communities depicted on the maps are based on data collected over the years by DEEP staff, scientists, conservation groups, and landowners. From a federal perspective, these permits, and this modification also contradict the purpose and intent of the Clean Water Act. Downgrading water to facilitate its pollution undermines federal safeguards and would serve no purpose other than to signal to industry that these protections are unimportant and optional. Progress to protect human health and the environment happens only when government agencies adopt policies that show polluting industries that we will not accept outdated, unsafe, and wasteful practices.