This week members of the NH House will vote on SB 381, an act to allow the burning of construction and demolition debris.
The bill’s lead sponsor, Sen. Jeb Bradley, said reversing the burning ban of construction and demolition debris will let them “start small.” SB 381 allows companies like ReEnergy in Epping to separate the wood from the demolition debris and others like Wheelabrator’s Penacook facility to burn 10,000 tons of debris wood per year from Nov 15 to April 15.
I went on the legislator’s tour of the two facilities last month. On the tour we heard Wheelabrator say they “might” choose to burn the wood debris when trash levels are low. Later we heard ReEnergy say the wood debris could be offered to Wheelabrator for free.
The ban we currently have is sound state policy established by former Gov. John Lynch in 2008. The debris holds untold amounts of lead, mercury, and other toxic metals. We do not need to “start small” by repealing the ban and opening the door to larger public health, solid waste, and Interstate Commerce Clause conflicts.
The Commission to Study Safe and Secure Landfills Regarding Construction and Demolition Debris thoroughly studied and made recommendations to the Legislature. The commission found the wood from construction and demolition debris is highly recyclable in other ways.
Please tell your state representative to vote against the passage of SB381.
Karen Irwin
Hopkinton