TRUTH: The facility is safe and surpasses all government standards
Covanta listens to the concerns of its neighbors and takes its role as an environmental steward very seriously. Waste-to-Energy is a controlled process and our emissions are continuously monitored to ensure compliance with our permits. In fact, our emissions data is displayed on our website 24 hours a day.
Research has produced study after study indicating modern Waste-to-Energy facilities do not pose a significant health risk to those living nearby. And EPA data shows that Delaware County's air quality has actually improved in recent years.
TRUTH: The facility meets all current regulations
Claims that the Chester facility somehow doesn't abide by up-to-date rules are simply false. The plant achieves emissions well below permit limits on a consistent basis. Because it uses a different combustion technology than other Waste-to-Energy facilities, the Chester incinerator has somewhat different equipment, but its environmental performance compares well. Despite that success, Covanta is in the planning stages for installation of additional control systems.
TRUTH: The EPA confirms Waste-to-Energy is the preferred option
The European Union, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and others also deem Waste-to-Energy preferable to landfilling. Why? Waste-to-Energy incineration actually reduces greenhouse gases, largely by avoiding the methane emissions that result when you send waste to a landfill. Methane is a major contributor to climate change, 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
What's more, landfill fires are now the top manmade source of dioxin in the United States. Landfills also emit other dangerous gases and represent a threat to our water supplies and wildlife.
TRUTH: Covanta is a proud and active partner with the Chester community
Since taking over the facility in Chester in 2005, Covanta has been actively involved in the community. We fund scholarships and school trips for local students, support the Save Your Soles diabetes screening campaign and organize local clean-up efforts. Working with the Chester Environmental Partnership, we developed an Environmental Justice policy that guides our actions worldwide.
The facility is also a key economic engine for Chester and the surrounding area. Covanta contributes a major portion of the city's annual budget. The facility provides more than 100 good-paying jobs and contributes an estimated $80 million to the local economy.
