Foul Air: Residents Raise Alarm Over Emissions from the Onondaga Fayetteville Waste Incinerator

Foul Air: Residents Raise Alarm Over Emissions from the Onondaga Fayetteville Waste Incinerator

For years, residents of Onondaga and surrounding areas have been complaining about the noxious odors and pollutants emanating from the Fayetteville waste incinerator. The facility, which burns trash and other waste materials to generate energy, has been a source of concern for local residents who claim that the emissions are not only foul-smelling but also hazardous to their health.

The Onondaga Fayetteville waste incinerator, operated by a private company, has been in operation for over two decades. While the facility was initially touted as a state-of-the-art solution for waste management, many residents have come to realize that the benefits of the incinerator do not outweigh the costs to their health and environment.

“It’s like living in a toxic cloud,” said Sarah Johnson, a resident of nearby Manlius. “The smell is constant, and it’s not just the smell. I’ve noticed that my family and I have been experiencing more frequent respiratory problems since the incinerator started operating.”

Johnson is not alone in her concerns. Many residents in the area have reported similar health issues, including asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems. Some have even reported noticing a decrease in air quality, with visible particulate matter and soot accumulating on their homes and cars.

While the incinerator’s operator claims that the facility meets all federal and state regulations regarding emissions, many residents are skeptical. “The companies will tell you that they’re meeting the standards, but we know that’s not true,” said Tom Smith, a member of the local advocacy group, Clean Air Now. “We’ve done our own testing, and the results show that the incinerator is emitting far more pollutants than what’s allowed.”

According to data from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), waste incinerators like the one in Fayetteville emit a range of pollutants, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants can have serious health effects, including respiratory problems, cancer, and neurological damage.

In response to the growing concerns, local residents and advocacy groups have been pushing for increased transparency and accountability from the incinerator’s operator. They are demanding more frequent emissions testing, as well as measures to reduce the facility’s pollutant output.

“We need to hold these companies accountable for their actions,” said Smith. “The health and well-being of our community depend on it. We deserve clean air, and we deserve to know what’s being emitted into our air.”

The issue has also caught the attention of local elected officials, who are calling for a comprehensive review of the incinerator’s operations. “We need to take a closer look at the impact of this facility on our community,” said County Legislator, Mary Beth Primo. “We owe it to our residents to ensure that their health and safety are protected.”

As the debate over the Onondaga Fayetteville waste incinerator continues, residents remain vigilant, determined to fight for their right to clean air and a healthy environment. “We won’t back down,” said Johnson. “We’ll keep fighting until our air is safe to breathe.”

What You Can Do:

• Contact your local elected officials to express your concerns about the Onondaga Fayetteville waste incinerator.
• Join local advocacy groups, such as Clean Air Now, to stay informed and get involved in the fight for clean air.
• Participate in community meetings and public hearings to voice your opinions and demand action.
• Consider supporting alternative waste management solutions, such as recycling and composting programs.

Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our air is safe to breathe.