The Surry Pilot Mountain Waste Incinerator, located in Surry County, Virginia, has been a source of concern for local communities for decades. The incinerator, which began operations in the 1970s, was designed to burn hazardous waste, including toxic chemicals and pesticides. However, its legacy has been one of environmental degradation, health problems, and social injustice.
A History of Pollution
The Surry Pilot Mountain Waste Incinerator was one of the first commercial hazardous waste incinerators in the United States. It was built on a 144-acre site in a rural area of Surry County, near the town of Pilot Mountain. The incinerator was designed to burn up to 50,000 pounds of hazardous waste per day, including chemicals such as PCBs, dioxins, and furans. However, from the outset, the incinerator was plagued by technical problems, including equipment failures and emissions exceedances.
Despite these problems, the incinerator continued to operate, releasing toxic pollutants into the air, water, and soil. The nearby community of Pilot Mountain was particularly affected, with residents reporting high levels of air pollution, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds. The incinerator’s emissions also contaminated local water sources, including the nearby Dan River, which is a source of drinking water for thousands of people.
Health Impacts
The health impacts of the Surry Pilot Mountain Waste Incinerator have been significant. Residents living near the incinerator have reported high rates of respiratory problems, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There have also been reports of increased cancer incidence, including lung, breast, and brain cancers. In addition, the incinerator’s emissions have been linked to neurological problems, including Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
A study conducted by the Virginia Department of Health in the 1990s found that residents living near the incinerator had higher levels of toxic chemicals in their blood, including dioxins and furans, than residents living in other parts of the state. The study also found that children living near the incinerator had higher levels of lead in their blood, which can cause developmental delays and other health problems.
Social Injustice
The Surry Pilot Mountain Waste Incinerator has also had a disproportionate impact on low-income and minority communities. The incinerator is located in a predominantly African American community, and many residents have reported feeling powerless to stop the incinerator’s operations. The incinerator’s owners have also been accused of exploiting the community’s lack of resources and knowledge to avoid regulatory scrutiny and community opposition.
In addition, the incinerator has had a significant impact on the local economy. The incinerator’s emissions have contaminated local soil and water, making it difficult for farmers to grow crops and raise livestock. The incinerator has also driven down property values, making it difficult for residents to sell their homes and businesses.
Community Resistance
Despite the challenges they have faced, the community living near the Surry Pilot Mountain Waste Incinerator has been actively resisting the incinerator’s operations for decades. Residents have organized protests, petitions, and lawsuits to try to shut down the incinerator and clean up the environmental damage it has caused.
In the 1990s, a group of residents formed the Surry County Environmental Justice Initiative, which worked to raise awareness about the incinerator’s impacts and push for regulatory action. The group also worked with local, state, and federal officials to secure funding for environmental cleanup and health studies.
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The Surry Pilot Mountain Waste Incinerator is a toxic legacy that continues to haunt local communities. Its emissions have caused significant environmental degradation and health problems, and its operations have been marked by social injustice and exploitation. However, the community’s resistance and activism have also shown that even in the face of overwhelming odds, it is possible to challenge environmental injustices and push for change.
As we look to the future, it is essential that we learn from the mistakes of the past and work towards a more just and sustainable future. This includes supporting community-led initiatives to clean up environmental pollution, promoting environmental justice and equity, and holding corporations and governments accountable for their actions.
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