Sen. Martin Statement on “Disappointing” Reworld Permitting Decision

Sen. Henri Martin issued the following statement regarding the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) Proposed Final Decision permitting Reworld medical waste burning.

“Very disappointing.

I had written to DEEP urging the agency to hold off on issuing a permit while legislation is pending on the subject.

This proposed legislation seeks to accomplish a common sense clean air goal: prohibit the burning of medical waste by facilities that do not meet EPA standards for the burning of such waste.

I continue to join many concerned citizens from Bristol and Southington who have noted that there currently is a loophole in our state law. That loophole allows an incinerator to follow less stringent standards without having to follow updated federal standards that apply to medical waste. It is not unreasonable– or punitive to a business – to try to close that loophole and to make sure EPA standards are followed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Holding off on issuing the permit would have ensured full transparency.

But that didn’t happen, and that is very unfortunate.

This remains an issue of substantial public concern, and we will continue to monitor it closely.”