Public commenter urges scrutiny of Ares Clean Technologies proposal to treat PFAS and biosolids

A member of the public raised concerns about a potential economic development project with Ares Clean Technologies, which the Partnership for Economic Development has discussed with county staff. The commenter, Rebecca Kreshkoff of the town of Delaware, urged careful vetting of the company's claims that its thermal gasification process can destroy PFAS compounds and handle municipal sewage sludge.

Kreshkoff cited an associate professor at Northeastern University who told her thermal treatment can break down PFAS but that the process is energy intensive and not always complete. She also referenced reporting and sources suggesting the company's Linden, N.J., facility has experienced operational delays and engineering problems, and she noted that substantial financing for the Linden plant involved sale of tax‑exempt bonds and later additional loans.

Kreshkoff said statements about Ares's payroll and long‑term jobs should be scrutinized; she cited reporting that the Linden plant would have created mostly temporary construction jobs and fewer long‑term operational positions. She told the committee that as the county evaluates potential companies to replace lost ratables and payroll after recent closures, it should undertake detailed due diligence to avoid later regrets.

Committee members heard the remarks during public comment; no formal action on Ares or a proposed project was recorded at the meeting.