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Residents press county on air quality: incinerator, EMR, and a county air quality committee
Summary
Multiple residents urged the commissioners to act on air quality concerns tied to ReWorld (formerly Covanta), EMR emissions, and cumulative pollution in Camden; commissioners described an air quality committee and ongoing DEP review of a permit application for new emissions controls.
Several residents urged Camden County commissioners to take stronger action on air quality problems they said are concentrated in Waterfront South and other communities in Camden.
Dorothy Foley of Merchantville cited long‑standing concerns about the incinerator (ReWorld, formerly Covanta) and asked what the county is doing about long‑term planning and the Solid Waste Council's work. Gary Frazier, a Camden community activist, and Kevin Barfield of Clean Air Camden amplified concerns about what they described as disproportionate pollution in Camden and called for accountability from corporations and elected officials.
Residents raised specific points: a) the incinerator is nearing the end of its useful life and remains the primary disposal option for the county's coop of municipalities; b) ReWorld has an application pending with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to install additional controls (baghouse) and to accept other wastes that its application indicates would finance emission controls; c) EMR recently reached an agreement with Camden City about funds and resident input on how those funds will be spent, and state legislation was introduced that would subject EMR to state licensing and regulation.
County officials said the county formed an air quality committee that meets monthly and includes DEP representatives, environmentalists and community members; subcommittees are working on solid waste alternatives and composting to reduce incinerated tonnage. Officials said DEP is still reviewing ReWorld's permit application and noted environmental-justice review requirements apply to new sources. County staff said they have tried to recruit alternative haulers and studied building transfer capacity, but providers declined.
Kevin Barfield also asked about a planned kayak/canoe launch at Gateway Park and said he photographed a warning sign for possible sewage overflow during wet weather near the launch area. County staff said they would follow up to review the sign and site cleanup history.
Residents asked for stronger public engagement, greater representation at air‑quality committee meetings, quicker action on permits and for county officials to press for emission controls at local facilities. Commissioners said they would continue work through the air quality committee and coordinate with DEP and municipalities.
What to watch: DEP action on ReWorld's permit application, the air quality committee's reports and any county or municipal moves to reduce reliance on incineration or to require modern controls at local facilities.
