Update: Hempstead Incinerator Operations

By Viki DeJong

The last meeting of the Town of Hempstead Solid Waste Advisory Committee was held on Oct. 29.

Bill Wareham, plant manager, reported that for the first time since incinerator operations began, the turbine would undergo a total maintenance regimen.

Boiler #1 was also scheduled for a routine maintenance, but prior to this work there were four combustion efficiency excursions during the month of October, resulting in temperature drops. These failures, caused by various problems, occurred on Oct. 2, 4, 9 and 24.

All equipment was back on line, according to the latest report.

Continuous Monitoring For Nitrous Oxide

Discussion revealed that several questions exist as to whether or not the NY State DC would now require continuous monitoring for nitrous oxide (N20) at all incinerators, or if the Hempstead facility is the only one involved in an experimental program.

If it is a DEC permit condition for all, then taxpayers may be responsible for some of the costs associated with the new emission equipment. Any increase would be reflected by a raise in tipping fees. If, however, it is not to be a general DEC requirement, the town and its residents may not face an increase in sanitation costs.

It is estimated that the N20 initial monitoring equipment will cost approximately $1,500,000 and that the urea that is injected into the system will cost approximately $500,000 annually.

The equipment is on order and is expected to be received during December or January. It will take 90 days to install and should be fully operational within nine months.

Ash and Stack Testing

The testing of combined incinerator fly and bottom ash has been completed by Matrix Laboratories of Boston and it appears that the September samplings are deemed acceptable in all categories. These tests are performed semiannually.

The yearly stack test protocol has been accepted and emissions testing will start on or about Dec. 15.

"Special" and APHIS Waste

It is reported that "special" and Industrial Waste during the month of September total 1,004 tons.

APHIS Waste continues to rise, with 1,628 tons delivered in September and 1,943 tons arriving in October.

Ongoing Arbitration

Arbitration continues between the Town of Hempstead and Brookhaven regarding rights to market incinerator ash for recycling uses. Currently an ash for trash deal with Brookhaven is in effect and the contract will exist for 12 more years. However, there are "option points" during this time period with clauses allowing for discontinuance for reasons such as an inability on Brookhaven's part to acquire additional ash fill space.

Recycling

Cathy Shigo of the DEC announced that Nov. 15 was National Recycling Day, and that NY State had reportedly reached a 39 percent recycling level.

The Town Recycling Coordinator reported the totals for the September and October STOP programs. The North Bellmore STOP day resulted in 103 drums filled and 900 participants, and the Hewlett STOP day drew 700 participants and 87 filled drums.

Readers will be informed of future STOP days and locations for acceptance of any pollutants you may have stored on your property.

Flow Control Laws and Solid Waste Disposal

On Nov. 10, the US Supreme Court let stand a lower court ruling that found unconstitutional and anti-competitive the New Jersey system for controlling disposal of municipal garbage.

This decision has caused much controversy and a need for clarification. One issue to be resolved concerns whether or not towns and cities can continue to collect disposal fees from villages, etc. if they are not using town disposal facilities.

The Supreme Court action in this case will impact on municipalities throughout the country and can affect the costs to taxpayers for waste disposal.

Another area of controversy surrounds whether or not existing contracts requiring that waste be sent to a designated facility can be broken.

We will continue to follow these issues as well as any legal actions and decisions in the future.

The next meeting of the Hempstead Town Solid Waste Advisory Committee will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 5 p.m. in the fourth floor conference room of Hempstead Town Hall.

Viki DeJong, a member of the SWAC, is chairperson of the Citizens Committee for Civic Action.