Today was a rather disappointing one in terms of my efforts to make a fully informed decision regarding the Chestnut Hill BioEnergy proposal. Over the past two months my fellow members of the Environmental Control Commission and I have been researching the science behind the proposal, and the history of the company involved.
Some of our information supported the proposal, especially with regards to the science behind the proposal. However, there was much more information that has been discovered that makes this proposal seem like the wrong fit for Waterbury. Many of these arguments against the Chestnut Hill plant were posted in my entries on April 13, 2009 and May 1, 2009.
As this topic has become such a hot button issue in Waterbury over the past two months I was not surprised when I received a message over Facebook that Mr. Goodemote wished to speak with me about his plan. In fact I was happy to meet with him as I hoped it would give me an opportunity to ask some of the questions that those of us on the ECC had. I also hoped it would give Mr. Goodemote the opportunity to correct some of the misconceptions that he claimed were floating around the city.
With this in mind, I talked to Mr. Goodemote on May 15 and scheduled an appointment for today at 3:30. As far as I understood, I was to meet Mr. Goodemote at the proposed truck entrance at the corner of Benedict and Jewelry St.
Unfortunately when I arrived at the old Anamet site today at 3:30, Mr. Goodemote was not there. I waited at the site for 15 minutes, and even checked the public entrance on Washington Ave. During this entire time there was no sign of Mr. Goodemote, or anyone for that matter.
The fact that I was stood up by Mr. Goodemote was more then disappointing. When you consider the number of questions that the Environmental Control Commission had for the folks at Chestnut Hill, questions that were not answered at all, it makes you scratch your head.
I'm not one for conspiracy theories, but the events of today seem to reinforce the notion that the folks at Chestnut Hill don't want the citizens of Waterbury asking too many questions. Now, more then ever, I feel that this plant is the wrong fit for the city of Waterbury.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Memorial Day 2009
As we honor our fallen Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen this year I am reminded of words that have echoed through the centuries. These two men said all that needed to be said, so I will not pontificate or expound on the obvious. All I can say is God Bless America.
Gettysburg Address
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate... we can not consecrate... we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government : of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
-Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
— Lt.-Col. John McCrae (1872 - 1918)
Gettysburg Address
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate... we can not consecrate... we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government : of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
-Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
— Lt.-Col. John McCrae (1872 - 1918)
Monday, May 11, 2009
Naugatuck River Race 2009
As you may be aware, for the past few years I have looked to improve the city through my involvement in political organizations and campaigns. Though I was unsuccessful, I took great pride in running for the Board of Aldermen with Representative D'Amelio in 2007. I have been proud to led my support to Rep. D'Amelio, Rep. Noujaim, and Sen. Caliguiri in their recent campaigns. That is also why I helped establish the Young GOP of Waterbury back in February.
For me, however, politics isn't just about a person labeling themselves as a Republican, Democrat, or even Independent. Politics is about everyone bringing their best ideas to the table to see what will help the City of Waterbury the most.
That is why I have been working with several different groups to do what I can to help improve downtown Waterbury, and the city in general. I have involved myself with the City Hall restoration project, and the Design Committee on Main Street Waterbury. I have also supported my neighborhood, by paying dues to the EMNA, and my church, Saints Peter & Paul.
I have also kept an eye on the work of the Greenway Commission, lending my voice to the hundreds that showed up at Kennedy High School back on the 30th.
Along with the Greeway Commission, The Naugatuck River Revival Group has been working to restore the Naugatuck River to a state that the Naugatuck Valley can be proud of again. Both groups are hoping to make the river an area for bike paths, hiking trails, art displays, and even canoe and kayak races. With these noble goals in mind, I was glad to offer my support this past Saturday by participating in the 2nd annual River Race.
So this past Saturday, YGOP Chairman Sean Hughes and I hopped in to a canoe and joined over 300 others in the six-mile trip from the Platts Mills Section of Waterbury to Beacon Falls. As we set off, I knew we were not likely to have the best time of the race, as both Sean and I are novices, however, we were hoping to best the time of Mayor Jarjura (2:02 in last years race). We also were aiming to finish the race with fewer spills then the Mayor experienced last year (3).
Unfortunately, while I may have a knack for public speaking, and am comfortable voicing my opinion on policy matters, that does not translate into a River Race. After 2 and 1/2 hours, and 4 different spills into the river, Sean and I finally managed to cross the finish line. We were soaking wet and weary, but we were still smiling.
Even though we did not obtain the results that we were hoping for in terms of the race, we still had a good time. We were glad that we could help the Naugatuck River Revival Group raise some money and awareness about the potential that the Naugatuck River possesses. Someday I may race the river again, but first I think I need a few days to recover from all the bumps and bruises.
A few lessons in kayaking probably won't hurt either.
All photos courtesy of my wife, Kerri.
For me, however, politics isn't just about a person labeling themselves as a Republican, Democrat, or even Independent. Politics is about everyone bringing their best ideas to the table to see what will help the City of Waterbury the most. That is why I have been working with several different groups to do what I can to help improve downtown Waterbury, and the city in general. I have involved myself with the City Hall restoration project, and the Design Committee on Main Street Waterbury. I have also supported my neighborhood, by paying dues to the EMNA, and my church, Saints Peter & Paul.
I have also kept an eye on the work of the Greenway Commission, lending my voice to the hundreds that showed up at Kennedy High School back on the 30th.
Along with the Greeway Commission, The Naugatuck River Revival Group has been working to restore the Naugatuck River to a state that the Naugatuck Valley can be proud of again. Both groups are hoping to make the river an area for bike paths, hiking trails, art displays, and even canoe and kayak races. With these noble goals in mind, I was glad to offer my support this past Saturday by participating in the 2nd annual River Race.
So this past Saturday, YGOP Chairman Sean Hughes and I hopped in to a canoe and joined over 300 others in the six-mile trip from the Platts Mills Section of Waterbury to Beacon Falls. As we set off, I knew we were not likely to have the best time of the race, as both Sean and I are novices, however, we were hoping to best the time of Mayor Jarjura (2:02 in last years race). We also were aiming to finish the race with fewer spills then the Mayor experienced last year (3). Unfortunately, while I may have a knack for public speaking, and am comfortable voicing my opinion on policy matters, that does not translate into a River Race. After 2 and 1/2 hours, and 4 different spills into the river, Sean and I finally managed to cross the finish line. We were soaking wet and weary, but we were still smiling.
Even though we did not obtain the results that we were hoping for in terms of the race, we still had a good time. We were glad that we could help the Naugatuck River Revival Group raise some money and awareness about the potential that the Naugatuck River possesses. Someday I may race the river again, but first I think I need a few days to recover from all the bumps and bruises.A few lessons in kayaking probably won't hurt either.
All photos courtesy of my wife, Kerri.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Risk vs. Reward
Since the presentation by Chestnut Hill Bio-Energy Company to the Waterbury Environmental Control Commission back on the 26 of March, I have been carefully weighing the positives and the negatives of the proposed food-waste to electricity plant. In my last post I mentioned that I was supportive of the concept, but uncertain about this particular project. As usual, the devil is in the details, and the more I learned about this plant, and the company behind it, the less thrilled I was about what was before me.
During the public hearing, much was made about the concerns of odor from the plant. This concern was based on the reputation Chestnut Hill had when it took over a composting plant in New Jersey. Originally I did not share the concerns, as an anaerobic digester is drastically different from a composting facility.
However, these concerns prompted those of us on the Commission to look at the DEP records from New Jersey regarding the composting facility. As I looked over these number I was disappointed to see over 50 violations of "Discharging pollutants to the waters of the State without a valid NJPDES permit issued by the department." This lengthy list of problems, and the fact that the site is located next to the Naugatuck River, gave me pause.
Furthermore, though the folks from Chestnut Hill seemed willing to answer our questions at the public hearing, they have been less then forthcoming with information since we adjourned on 3/26.
I understand that they may not want to get bogged down in repeatedly answering the same questions for every commission and community group. However, as our commission is specifically focused on the environment, I would have figured that the folks from Chestnut Hill would want to answer our questions. Especially since, the more of our questions they answer, the less questions they would have to face from other groups.
Lastly, I have never been completely comfortable with the fact that this plant would be the biggest such plant in the world. Though there seem to be several such power plants that handle 100,000 tons of waste per year, no one could tell me of any power plant that crossed the 200,000 ton/year threshold.
Also, this plant would be the only one I could find that would be located in the middle of an urban area was disconcerting. Every other plant that has been built, or proposed, has been located on the outskirts of a city, or in a rural area. Without a precedent to point to, how can we be certain that this is a good fit for Waterbury?
With all of these in mind, I find that I am no longer able to give the Chestnut Hill project my full support as it is currently proposed. I still feel that the technology is solid, and could provide the City of Waterbury with jobs that it desperately needs. However, I feel that my concerns have not been addressed to my satisfaction.
I realize that it is not good government to simply reject a proposal without giving possible alternatives. Therefore, I offer the following options to the folks at Chestnut Hill if they truly wish to help the City of Waterbury.
1) Reduce the size of the plant. If this proposal was for a plant that would consume 50,000 tons of food waste per year I would have fewer concerns. Instead of 54 trucks on our streets, six days a week, we would only be looking at 14 or 15 trucks a day. Furthermore, there would be less concerns regarding the breakdown of trucks, or breakdowns in the plant itself.
2) Move the plant to a location on the outskirts of Waterbury. The people from Chestnut Hill mentioned that the WDC showed them other sites within the city of Waterbury. If the power plant was located on a smaller site, away from the center of our population, many of the odor concerns would be alleviated. Also, there are several empty industrial sites near the on and off ramps of either 8 or 84.
3) Work with the sewage treatment plant. In Milwaukee, WI there is a plan to build the same anaerobic digesters that are proposed for the Chestnut Hill site near the sewer treatment site. In Milwaukee the digesters would take the waste directly from the sewage treatment plant and produce the same products of methane and carbon dioxide. This would have the dual benefit of generating electricity for the city and the state, while helping clean up the sewer treatment plant.
These are my thoughts on the plant, and do not reflect any party, or even the official position of the Environmental Control Commission. The ECC will be voting on 5/28 regarding the plant, and I encourage you to attend. As always, I welcome your comments.
During the public hearing, much was made about the concerns of odor from the plant. This concern was based on the reputation Chestnut Hill had when it took over a composting plant in New Jersey. Originally I did not share the concerns, as an anaerobic digester is drastically different from a composting facility.
However, these concerns prompted those of us on the Commission to look at the DEP records from New Jersey regarding the composting facility. As I looked over these number I was disappointed to see over 50 violations of "Discharging pollutants to the waters of the State without a valid NJPDES permit issued by the department." This lengthy list of problems, and the fact that the site is located next to the Naugatuck River, gave me pause.
Furthermore, though the folks from Chestnut Hill seemed willing to answer our questions at the public hearing, they have been less then forthcoming with information since we adjourned on 3/26.
I understand that they may not want to get bogged down in repeatedly answering the same questions for every commission and community group. However, as our commission is specifically focused on the environment, I would have figured that the folks from Chestnut Hill would want to answer our questions. Especially since, the more of our questions they answer, the less questions they would have to face from other groups.
Lastly, I have never been completely comfortable with the fact that this plant would be the biggest such plant in the world. Though there seem to be several such power plants that handle 100,000 tons of waste per year, no one could tell me of any power plant that crossed the 200,000 ton/year threshold.
Also, this plant would be the only one I could find that would be located in the middle of an urban area was disconcerting. Every other plant that has been built, or proposed, has been located on the outskirts of a city, or in a rural area. Without a precedent to point to, how can we be certain that this is a good fit for Waterbury?
With all of these in mind, I find that I am no longer able to give the Chestnut Hill project my full support as it is currently proposed. I still feel that the technology is solid, and could provide the City of Waterbury with jobs that it desperately needs. However, I feel that my concerns have not been addressed to my satisfaction.
I realize that it is not good government to simply reject a proposal without giving possible alternatives. Therefore, I offer the following options to the folks at Chestnut Hill if they truly wish to help the City of Waterbury.
1) Reduce the size of the plant. If this proposal was for a plant that would consume 50,000 tons of food waste per year I would have fewer concerns. Instead of 54 trucks on our streets, six days a week, we would only be looking at 14 or 15 trucks a day. Furthermore, there would be less concerns regarding the breakdown of trucks, or breakdowns in the plant itself.
2) Move the plant to a location on the outskirts of Waterbury. The people from Chestnut Hill mentioned that the WDC showed them other sites within the city of Waterbury. If the power plant was located on a smaller site, away from the center of our population, many of the odor concerns would be alleviated. Also, there are several empty industrial sites near the on and off ramps of either 8 or 84.
3) Work with the sewage treatment plant. In Milwaukee, WI there is a plan to build the same anaerobic digesters that are proposed for the Chestnut Hill site near the sewer treatment site. In Milwaukee the digesters would take the waste directly from the sewage treatment plant and produce the same products of methane and carbon dioxide. This would have the dual benefit of generating electricity for the city and the state, while helping clean up the sewer treatment plant.
These are my thoughts on the plant, and do not reflect any party, or even the official position of the Environmental Control Commission. The ECC will be voting on 5/28 regarding the plant, and I encourage you to attend. As always, I welcome your comments.
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