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Commissioners agree to support EcoJON waste system pilot and send letter to state
Summary
A presenter from the George Henry White Center described an EcoJON waste-management unit and asked the board for a letter of support; commissioners voted to approve recommending a letter to state regulators in support of the project.
The Bladen County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a recommendation that the county send a letter supporting a nonconforming EcoJON waste-management system pitched for rural sites.
A representative of the George Henry White Center described the EcoJON unit as a contained incineration/thermal-treatment system the presenters said has been used in other jurisdictions and argued it could address septic and waste problems in rural areas. The presenter said the project currently represents a $69,000 commitment to bring the technology to the county and asked the board for its backing to help secure state regulatory approval.
Chair and commissioners asked about jurisdiction and limits: the chair noted the county lacks authority to override state building code or approval of nonconforming systems but said the county could provide a letter of support and advocacy. After brief discussion and questions about environmental safeguards and prior approvals in other counties, the board signaled unanimous support by voice vote.
What proponents said: The presenter described approvals or use in multiple states and stressed the system is distinct from open burning or unregulated systems; he asked the board to help by providing a letter of support to the state and to state legislators.
What commissioners said: Commissioners emphasized they cannot change state code but said they will help by providing a recommendation letter and by staying in touch with project leaders as they seek state review.
Next steps: County staff will prepare a recommendation letter for the board—s signature and maintain contact with project proponents while they pursue state regulatory approval.
