The small town of Baldwin, Wisconsin, has been embroiled in a fierce battle against a proposed waste incinerator that threatens to destroy the health, environment, and economy of the community. The St. Croix Baldwin Waste Incinerator, if built, would burn hundreds of thousands of tons of trash per year, spewing toxic pollutants into the air and water, and leaving behind a legacy of ash and contamination.
The Proposal
The proposed incinerator, which would be operated by a private company, would accept waste from all over the region, including hazardous materials like batteries, electronics, and construction waste. The incinerator would burn the waste at extremely high temperatures, releasing a cocktail of pollutants into the air, including particulate matter, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds. The ash left behind would be sent to a landfill, where it would pose a risk of leaching into groundwater and contaminating local water sources.
The Concerns
Residents of Baldwin and surrounding communities are fiercely opposed to the incinerator, citing concerns about the impact on public health, the environment, and the local economy. The incinerator would be located near a school, a hospital, and a residential area, putting vulnerable populations at risk of exposure to toxic pollutants. The emissions from the incinerator would also contribute to climate change, worsening air quality, and threatening local wildlife habitats.
In addition to the environmental concerns, the incinerator would also have significant economic impacts on the community. The project would require significant public subsidies and would likely lead to increased costs for local taxpayers. The incinerator would also undermine the local recycling industry, which is a vital part of the community’s economy.
The Resistance
Despite the formidable opposition, the community has come together to fight against the incinerator. Local residents, business owners, and environmental groups have formed a coalition to raise awareness about the risks of the incinerator and to advocate for alternative solutions. The coalition has organized rallies, petitions, and town hall meetings, and has worked with local officials to explore alternative waste management strategies.
The coalition has also sought to highlight the lack of transparency and accountability in the permitting process, which has been marred by secrecy and conflicts of interest. The group has filed Freedom of Information Act requests, attended public hearings, and met with regulators to demand more information about the project and its potential impacts.
The Alternatives
Rather than relying on incineration, the coalition is advocating for a more sustainable and equitable approach to waste management. This includes increasing recycling rates, reducing waste generation, and implementing composting and anaerobic digestion programs. The group is also promoting the development of local, community-led waste management initiatives that prioritize environmental justice and community benefits.
One alternative solution that has been proposed is a community composting program, which would allow residents to compost food waste and yard trimmings, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and creating a valuable resource for local gardens and farms. Another alternative is a recycling program that would increase the amount of materials recycled in the community, reducing the need for incineration and landfilling.
The Call to Action
The fight against the St. Croix Baldwin Waste Incinerator is far from over. The community needs your support to continue the resistance and to advocate for a better future for Baldwin and the surrounding region. Here are some ways you can get involved:
- Sign the petition opposing the incinerator and show your support for the community’s fight against pollution and environmental injustice.
- Attend a town hall meeting or public hearing to voice your concerns and demand action from local officials.
- Donate to the coalition to support their work and help them continue to organize and advocate for the community.
- Spread the word about the issue and share information with your friends, family, and social networks.
Together, we can make a difference and create a cleaner, healthier, and more just future for all. Join the fight against the St. Croix Baldwin Waste Incinerator and help us turn ashes into action.
Get Involved
To learn more about the issue and get involved in the fight against the St. Croix Baldwin Waste Incinerator, visit the coalition’s website at https://www.stoptheincinerator.org or follow them on social media at https://www.facebook.com/stoptheincinerator.
Together, we can make a difference and create a better future for our community.
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