{"id":193390,"date":"2025-11-18T08:00:31","date_gmt":"2025-11-18T00:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hiclover.com\/one\/ashes-to-action-the-fight-against-the-st-croix-baldwin-waste-incinerator\/"},"modified":"2025-11-18T08:00:31","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T00:00:31","slug":"ashes-to-action-the-fight-against-the-st-croix-baldwin-waste-incinerator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hiclover.com\/one\/ashes-to-action-the-fight-against-the-st-croix-baldwin-waste-incinerator\/","title":{"rendered":"Ashes to Action: The Fight Against the St. Croix Baldwin Waste Incinerator"},"content":{"rendered":"

The small town of Baldwin, Wisconsin, has been embroiled in a fierce battle against a proposed waste<\/a> incinerator<\/a> that threatens to destroy the health<\/a>, environment, and economy of the community. The St. Croix Baldwin Waste<\/a> Incinerator<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

The Proposal<\/h2>\n

The proposed incinerator<\/a>, which would be operated by a private company, would accept waste<\/a> from all over the region, including hazardous materials like batteries, electronics, and construction waste<\/a>. The incinerator<\/a> would burn the waste<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

The Concerns<\/h2>\n

Residents of Baldwin and surrounding communities are fiercely opposed to the incinerator<\/a>, citing concerns about the impact on public health<\/a>, the environment, and the local economy. The incinerator<\/a> would be located near a school, a hospital<\/a>, and a residential area, putting vulnerable populations at risk of exposure to toxic pollutants. The emissions<\/a> from the incinerator<\/a> would also contribute to climate change, worsening air quality, and threatening local wildlife habitats.<\/p>\n

In addition to the environmental<\/a> concerns, the incinerator<\/a> 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<\/a> would also undermine the local recycling industry<\/a>, which is a vital part of the community’s economy.<\/p>\n

The Resistance<\/h2>\n

Despite the formidable opposition, the community has come together to fight against the incinerator<\/a>. Local residents, business owners, and environmental<\/a> groups have formed a coalition to raise awareness about the risks of the incinerator<\/a> 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<\/a> management strategies.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The Alternatives<\/h2>\n

Rather than relying on incineration<\/a>, the coalition is advocating for a more sustainable and equitable approach to waste<\/a> management. This includes increasing recycling rates, reducing waste<\/a> generation, and implementing composting and anaerobic digestion programs. The group is also promoting the development of local, community-led waste<\/a> management initiatives that prioritize environmental<\/a> justice and community benefits.<\/p>\n

One alternative solution that has been proposed is a community composting program, which would allow residents to compost food waste<\/a> and yard trimmings, reducing the amount of waste<\/a> 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<\/a> and landfilling.<\/p>\n

The Call to Action<\/h2>\n

The fight against the St. Croix Baldwin Waste<\/a> Incinerator<\/a> 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:<\/p>\n