Rising Concerns: The Kent Rising Sun-Lebanon Incinerator’s Impact on Local Water Quality

The Kent Rising Sun-Lebanon Incinerator, a waste-to-energy facility located in Kent County, Delaware, has been a topic of discussion among local residents and environmental groups in recent years. While the incinerator has been in operation since 1989, concerns about its impact on local water quality have been growing. In this news, we will explore the potential effects of the incinerator on the local water supply and the concerns of the community.

How the Incinerator Works

The Kent Rising Sun-Lebanon Incinerator burns municipal solid waste to produce electricity, which is then sold to the local power grid. The incineration process involves burning waste at high temperatures, producing ash and flue gas. The ash is then disposed of in a landfill, while the flue gas is treated to remove pollutants before being released into the atmosphere.

Potential Impact on Water Quality

The incinerator’s impact on local water quality is a major concern. The facility uses water from the local aquifer to cool its systems, and the wastewater generated from this process is treated and discharged into the nearby St. Jones River. However, there are concerns that the wastewater may contain pollutants such as heavy metals, dioxins, and furans, which can harm aquatic life and contaminate the water supply.

Pollutants of Concern

• Heavy Metals: Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic can be released into the water supply through the incinerator’s wastewater. These pollutants can have serious health effects, including neurological damage and cancer.
• Dioxins and Furans: Dioxins and furans are toxic compounds that can be formed during the incineration process. These pollutants can bioaccumulate in the food chain and have been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer and reproductive issues.

Community Concerns

Local residents and environmental groups have expressed concerns about the incinerator’s impact on water quality. Many are worried about the potential health effects of consuming contaminated water, as well as the impact on the local ecosystem. Some have called for the incinerator to be shut down or for stricter regulations to be put in place to protect the water supply.

What Can Be Done

To address the concerns about the incinerator’s impact on water quality, several steps can be taken:

• Regular Water Testing: Regular testing of the water supply can help identify any pollutants and ensure that the water is safe for consumption.
• Stricter Regulations: Stricter regulations can be put in place to limit the amount of pollutants released into the water supply.
• Alternative Technologies: Alternative technologies, such as recycling and composting, can be explored to reduce the amount of waste sent to the incinerator.

www.hiclover.com

The Kent Rising Sun-Lebanon Incinerator’s impact on local water quality is a concern that needs to be addressed. While the incinerator provides a necessary service, it is essential to ensure that it is operated in a way that protects the environment and public health. By working together, we can find solutions to mitigate the potential effects of the incinerator and protect the local water supply for future generations.