LETTER: Time Needed for Feedback on Treatment Facility

The following letter was submitted by Peter Smith, the council member for District 1 in Anne Arundel County.

I have learned that the most important aspect of being a productive citizen of a community is being informed. More important than taking action, is knowing that action needs to be taken in the first place. Last week members of the community of Brooklyn Park and Cherry Hill met with stakeholders to hear public comment on the development of a Waste-to-Energy (WTE) treatment facility proposed to be located in Curtis Bay.  

In essence, this facility will be a waste incinerator that would burn many tons of waste everyday right across the border of Brooklyn Park. For many that are unaware, this could have enormous effects on the families and communities in the northern part of Anne Arundel County. Brooklyn Park, specifically, has seen enough of its share of negative impacts on its communities and deserves every opportunity to have its voice heard. They are a collection of neighborhoods that want nothing more than to have an environment that is safe, clean and productive. 

I cannot claim to be a scientist or understand all the nuances of pollution control, but what I do know and feel is that Anne Arundel County’s most valuable asset is the very land we call home.  It is our job to give it to the next generation in better condition than we received it.  Because the public comment period is quickly approaching, it is our hope that the Public Service Commission will aid us in our efforts to extend the public comment period for 60 days.  This will provide the Commission and other leaders a more diverse representation of views from the affected communities. 

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