Burning Questions: What You Need to Know About the Franklin Greencastle Waste Incinerator

The Franklin Greencastle Waste Incinerator has been a topic of discussion in recent years, with many residents and environmental groups raising concerns about its impact on the community and the environment. In this news, we will delve into the key issues surrounding the incinerator and provide you with the information you need to know.

What is the Franklin Greencastle Waste Incinerator?

The Franklin Greencastle Waste Incinerator is a waste-to-energy facility located in Greencastle, Pennsylvania. The incinerator is designed to burn municipal solid waste, including household trash and recyclables, to generate electricity. The facility has been in operation since 1990 and is owned and operated by the Franklin County Solid Waste Authority.

How does the incinerator work?

The incinerator uses a combination of combustion and steam generation to produce electricity. The process works as follows:

• Waste is collected from households and businesses and transported to the incinerator.
• The waste is then burned in a combustion chamber, producing heat and steam.
• The steam is used to power a turbine, which generates electricity.
• The electricity is then sold to the power grid and distributed to homes and businesses.

What are the concerns about the incinerator?

There are several concerns about the Franklin Greencastle Waste Incinerator, including:

• Air pollution: The incinerator emits pollutants such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds, which can contribute to poor air quality and negative health effects.
• Water pollution: The incinerator’s ash pond, which stores the toxic ash residue from the burning process, has been shown to be leaking into nearby waterways, posing a risk to aquatic life and human health.
• Greenhouse gas emissions: The incinerator is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change.
• Community impact: The incinerator is located in a residential area, and many residents have expressed concerns about the noise, odors, and decreased property values associated with the facility.

What is being done to address the concerns?

In response to the concerns raised by the community and environmental groups, the Franklin County Solid Waste Authority has implemented several measures to reduce the incinerator’s impact, including:

• Upgrades to the facility’s air pollution control system to reduce emissions.
• Implementation of a new ash management system to reduce the risk of leaks and spills.
• Increased monitoring and reporting of emissions and ash disposal.
• Community outreach and education programs to address concerns and provide information about the facility’s operations.

What can you do to make a difference?

There are several ways you can make a difference and help reduce the impact of the Franklin Greencastle Waste Incinerator:

• Reduce, reuse, recycle: Reduce your waste by reducing your consumption, reusing items when possible, and recycling as much as you can.
• Participate in community activities: Attend community meetings and events to raise awareness about the incinerator and push for changes to reduce its impact.
• Support alternative waste management methods: Consider supporting alternative waste management methods, such as composting or anaerobic digestion, which can reduce the amount of waste sent to the incinerator.
• Contact your representatives: Reach out to your local representatives and express your concerns about the incinerator and its impact on the community and the environment.

In conclusion, the Franklin Greencastle Waste Incinerator is a complex issue that requires attention and action from the community, environmental groups, and local authorities. By understanding the concerns and taking steps to address them, we can work towards reducing the incinerator’s impact and creating a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly waste management system.