NORRISTOWN, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has scheduled a public meeting and hearing to discuss the renewal of the Title V Operating Permit for the Reworld Plymouth waste-to-energy facility in Norristown. The event will take place at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Davenport Elementary School.
Reworld Plymouth operates two municipal waste combustors designed to handle 600 tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) daily. These combustors convert trash into steam and electricity, which is then fed into the power grid. MSW includes everyday items such as product packaging, furniture, clothing, food scraps, newspapers, and batteries, collected from homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses.
The DEP invites the community to participate in the meeting to ask questions and receive answers from its program staff. Following the meeting, a public hearing will be held to gather oral and written testimony regarding Reworld’s Title V Operating Permit. This permit is vital as it outlines compliance measures necessary to control air pollution from the facility.
A Title V Operating Permit includes a comprehensive description of the facility’s processes and products, significant emissions and sources, and the air pollution control equipment used. It also details the state and federal requirements the facility must meet and the methods employed to ensure regulatory compliance.
Reworld Plymouth is located in an environmental justice (EJ) area. As a result, the DEP is adhering to its EJ Enhanced Public Participation Policy, which ensures increased community engagement and meaningful involvement throughout the permitting process. This policy is especially important when existing facilities plan to expand operations, as it seeks to ensure that all community voices are heard and considered.
The notice for the public hearing was published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on April 13, 2024. Interested parties can access copies of the renewal application, draft permit, and technical review memo on the DEP’s community page or at the DEP’s Southeast Regional Office in Norristown, available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Community Engagement: Renewing Reworld Plymouth’s Permit for a Cleaner Future
This meeting and hearing are crucial for the Norristown community, providing an opportunity to engage directly with DEP officials and express any concerns or support regarding the facility’s operations. Public participation in such hearings is vital for maintaining transparency and ensuring that environmental regulations reflect the community’s needs and interests.
Renewing the Title V Operating Permit for Reworld Plymouth carries significant implications for both the environment and public health. Effective air pollution control is essential for reducing harmful emissions, protecting local ecosystems, and ensuring clean air for residents. By involving the community in this decision-making process, the DEP aims to foster trust and collaboration between regulators and the public.
In summary, the upcoming public hearing on Reworld Plymouth’s permit renewal represents an important step in managing environmental impacts and promoting community involvement. Residents of Norristown and surrounding areas are encouraged to participate, providing their input to help shape the future of local environmental and public health practices.
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