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Nearly 50 residents speak at special session to oppose biosolids plant, ask for stronger oversight
Summary
Hundreds attended and dozens testified at a special North Kingstown meeting; speakers repeatedly cited health, water and property impacts and urged legal, legislative and administrative action.
Residents packed the school facility to speak during a public‑comment period that lasted more than two hours. Dozens of speakers described concerns about odor, air contaminants (including PM2.5 and volatile compounds), and potential PFAS and heavy‑metal exposure from a proposed pyrolysis biosolids plant.
Speakers recounted past fights over heavy industrial uses at Quonset and urged coordinated action. Several people encouraged the council to hire environmental counsel or partner with nonprofit legal groups; one resident said he would file a declaratory‑ruling petition with the Department of Environmental Management challenging the minor‑source permit. Parents and teachers raised the impact on children and school activities, and some residents urged structural reforms at the Quonset Development Corporation so host communities have stronger representation.
While most public comment opposed the proposed biosolids facility, a few speakers supported the battery storage project and emphasized the value of renewable integration, though they also asked for detailed emergency plans and community protections. The meeting closed with the council adopting a resolution and directing follow‑up actions.
