Burning Concerns: The Environmental Impact of Prince George’s Upper Marlboro Waste Incinerator
The Prince George’s County waste incinerator in Upper Marlboro, Maryland has been a source of controversy and concern for local residents and environmental advocates for years. The facility, which burns hundreds of thousands of tons of trash every year, has been linked to a range of environmental and health problems, from air and water pollution to increased cancer risk and respiratory disease. In this news, we’ll take a closer look at the environmental impact of the Upper Marlboro waste incinerator and explore the concerns of those who are fighting to shut it down.
A History of Pollution
The Upper Marlboro waste incinerator has been in operation since 1992, burning waste from Prince George’s County and surrounding areas. Over the years, the facility has been the subject of numerous complaints and lawsuits, with residents and environmental groups alleging that it is emitting toxic pollutants into the air and water. In 2019, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) fined the facility’s operator, Covanta Energy, $125,000 for violating air pollution standards.
Air Pollution Concerns
One of the biggest concerns about the Upper Marlboro waste incinerator is the air pollution it generates. The facility emits a range of toxic pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis, and have been linked to increased risk of cancer and other health problems.
According to data from the MDE, the Upper Marlboro waste incinerator is one of the largest sources of air pollution in Prince George’s County, emitting over 100,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. The facility’s emissions have been shown to exceed federal standards for particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and VOCs, posing a significant threat to the health and well-being of nearby residents.
Water Pollution Concerns
In addition to air pollution, the Upper Marlboro waste incinerator has also been linked to water pollution. The facility generates a toxic ash byproduct, known as fly ash, which is contaminated with heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic. This fly ash is often disposed of in landfills, where it can leach into groundwater and contaminate nearby waterways.
In 2018, the MDE found that the Upper Marlboro waste incinerator was violating state water pollution standards, with high levels of heavy metals and other pollutants detected in the facility’s wastewater. The agency ordered Covanta Energy to take corrective action, but concerns about water pollution from the facility remain.
Community Health Concerns
The environmental impact of the Upper Marlboro waste incinerator is not just a concern for the local ecosystem – it also has significant implications for the health and well-being of nearby residents. Studies have shown that communities living near waste incinerators are at increased risk of respiratory disease, cancer, and other health problems.
In Prince George’s County, where the Upper Marlboro waste incinerator is located, residents have reported high rates of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems. The county also has some of the highest rates of cancer incidence and mortality in the state, with lung cancer and other pollution-related diseases being particularly prevalent.
The Fight to Shut Down the Incinerator
Despite the significant environmental and health concerns associated with the Upper Marlboro waste incinerator, the facility remains in operation. However, a growing coalition of community groups, environmental organizations, and local residents are fighting to shut it down.
The Prince George’s County Chapter of the Sierra Club, the Maryland Environmental Health Network, and other groups have been actively advocating for the closure of the incinerator, citing the facility’s poor environmental record and the health risks it poses to nearby communities.
In 2020, the Prince George’s County Council passed a resolution calling for the closure of the incinerator and the development of more sustainable waste management practices. While the resolution is non-binding, it marks an important step towards addressing the environmental and health concerns associated with the facility.
A Better Way Forward
So what can be done to address the environmental impact of the Upper Marlboro waste incinerator? The answer lies in adopting more sustainable waste management practices, such as recycling, composting, and reducing waste at the source.
Prince George’s County has set a goal of reducing its waste disposal by 50% by 2030, with a focus on increasing recycling rates and promoting waste reduction and reuse. The county is also exploring alternative waste management technologies, such as anaerobic digestion and gasification, which can generate energy from waste while minimizing pollution.
In conclusion, the Upper Marlboro waste incinerator is a burning concern for the environment and public health in Prince George’s County. The facility’s air and water pollution, combined with its links to increased cancer risk and respiratory disease, make it a major priority for environmental advocates and community groups. By adopting more sustainable waste management practices and transitioning away from polluting technologies like incineration, we can create a healthier, more sustainable future for Prince George’s County and beyond.
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