Residents press city leaders over constant droning and proposed biomedical-waste incineration at ReWorld/Covanta facility

Residents from Bristol and nearby Southington and Plainville used the City Council public-comments period to urge local and state officials to act on persistent low-frequency noise coming from the ReWorld (Covanta) facility and to oppose pending permits to burn biomedical waste there.

Scores of speakers described a steady, “droning” noise that they say has disrupted sleep and daily life. “This noise is not just an occasional disturbance. It's a constant unrelenting droning that makes it impossible to relax, focus, or sleep,” said Justine McGowan, a mental-health provider and Bristol resident. David James of Plainville told the council the noise has affected his young son’s sleep and that his family is considering moving.

Why it matters: Residents said the conditions are creating chronic sleep disruption and stress for households near the plant and asked city leaders to help. Speakers referenced public-health research and advocacy groups to underline the severity of chronic noise exposure.

Council context and city response Mayor (unnamed in the record) told speakers the Bristol-Burlington Health District (BBHD) is leading the noise investigation and that a court case and state-level reviews are underway. The mayor also said ReWorld — which the record alternately refers to as “re world” and “Covanta” — has acknowledged there is a noise issue, has completed an initial mitigation round and has committed an additional $1.5 million for further fixes. The mayor said the attorney general is involved in ongoing litigation and that the BBHD and state processes are the primary mechanisms for enforcement.

Speakers urged more active municipal engagement. Diane Koses of Southington submitted three written items for the record — including a November 2024 letter from Quiet Communities and a same‑week letter from state representative Rebecca Martinez — and handed them to the clerk. The mayor confirmed the documents were accepted for the record.

Health and legal claims raised by speakers Multiple speakers cited the BBHD’s investigation and state noise law; Francis Pickering referenced Connecticut General Statutes 22a-73 during his remarks, saying municipal ordinances must be “at least as stringent as any state noise control plan.” Speakers also read or referenced published health summaries (for example, an advocacy report and a European Environment Agency estimate cited by a speaker) to stress possible health risks from chronic noise exposure. Several residents said they have purchased sound meters and recorded continuous noise they attribute to the plant.

On biomedical-waste burning, speakers opposed any permit allowing ReWorld to combust medical waste, arguing that the company has not demonstrated it can control emissions or even the existing noise problem. Several residents described respiratory or unexplained health problems among family members they believe could be related to emissions; they asked state regulators and legislators to block permits.

What the city did and did not decide No City Council votes or ordinance changes were taken on the topic at this meeting. The mayor stated the BBHD is handling noise enforcement, that a court case is active, and that the attorney general’s office is involved. Council staff accepted written materials from residents for the record.

What comes next Speakers said state representative Rebecca Martinez had introduced two bills related to the matter (described by a speaker as submitted the same week). The mayor said residents should expect the BBHD and state agencies to continue their processes and noted the ongoing litigation. Residents asked for continued updates from the city and for help coordinating with state regulators.

Ending Residents who addressed the council requested additional enforcement and community outreach; the council did not take policy action at the meeting but acknowledged the health-district investigation, the state processes and ongoing litigation and recorded the written submissions residents provided.