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North Kingstown leaders welcome pause on proposed Quonset biosolids plant as legislature launches study
Summary
Town officials and state lawmakers said the proposed Quonset pyrolysis (biosolids) facility is paused pending a joint legislative study commission and related bills; town retained environmental counsel and will provide testimony to the House committee.
Town leaders and state lawmakers told a packed North Kingstown council chamber on April 27 that the proposed Quonset biosolids (pyrolysis) facility will not move forward immediately while the General Assembly’s study commission reviews sludge management.
Town Manager Ralph Morris said the town sent a letter to Governor McKee on April 15 opposing the facility and that he will submit written testimony to the House Oversight Commission in support of Rep. Julie Casimiro’s bill H-8400, which would place a moratorium on pyrolysis facilities until the study is complete. "I will be submitting some written testimony for tomorrow night's hearing in support of representative Casimiro's and representative Craven's house bill H 8400," Morris said.
Governor McKee addressed residents in person, telling the crowd he opposes the project and will "stand shoulder to shoulder with the community." He pledged to work with local leaders and to sign legislation that would halt the project if it reaches his desk. "When that bill comes to my desk, I will sign that as well," McKee said.
Sen. Bridget Valverde and Sen. DeMario outlined two legislative measures: H-8400 (the House moratorium bill) and Senate Bill 3225 to establish a sludge-management study commission. Valverde said the commission will examine costs, environmental and climate impacts, the Woonsocket incinerator status and future sludge-management options; she encouraged residents to submit written testimony and attend hearings. "You all can go there and testify if you would like," Valverde said, describing how hearings will be scheduled and how North Kingstown will have representation on the commission.
The council also told residents the Quonset Development Corporation (QDC) has paused leasing while the legislature acts. Town officials said they have retained Desitell & Browning, an environmental law firm, to review permits and pursue administrative or court actions if warranted. The town solicitor said the firm has begun gathering documents and assessing whether to challenge permits.
The council authorized the town manager to advocate on the town’s behalf before the joint legislative commission and other fora and promised to keep the public informed about hearing dates and submission details.
