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This location could become the site of a waste facility. Image via Google Maps.<\/p>\n This location could become the site of a waste facility. Image via Google Maps.<\/p>\n
A waste management facility is being proposed in Jersey City that could process 750 tons of garbage per day. But residents and elected officials are railing against the plan, claiming that it doesn\u2019t meet the threshold of the state environmental justice law.<\/p>\n
A second community meeting will be held on August 20 to present plans for the facility at 25 Van Keuren Avenue and to hear public comment. This follows a meeting held in April, hosted by Michael Logan, vice president at Compliance Plus Services. These meetings are required by the Department of Environmental Protection when constructing an industrial facility in an already overburdened community. This would be the second \u201cwaste transfer point\u201d within the city\u2019s borders.<\/p>\n
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The proposed site is near Journal Square. Image via Google Maps.<\/p>\n
Logan\u2019s presentation was followed by two hours of public comment. One after another, speakers, unified in their opposition, argued that they already have their fair share of pollution.<\/p>\n
Arnold Bettinger, a resident of St. Paul\u2019s Avenue and former city councilman, denounced Morgan for not mentioning that trucks would also pass along his street, despite the report including that it would use that street.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is simply not an appropriate location for an operation of this scale,\u201d he said. \u201cNo community, especially ours, should be asked to live with constant odors, pollution, and industrial traffic at all hours.\u201d<\/p>\n
The plan\u2019s history dates back to 2019, but an updated application was submitted in 2024 to comply with a new law passed in 2021.<\/p>\n
Logan\u2019s presentation indicated that 19 categories were considered \u201cadverse\u201d and that there is a pre-existing cumulative environmental burden. The site doesn\u2019t have existing adverse contributors of fine particulate matter, but the new facility had the potential to worsen that due to increased vehicle traffic during construction. The \u201cworst case\u201d could increase cancer risk from diesel particulate matter. However, Logan said the facility would implement measures to minimize health risks, such as an air pollution control system that can remove 99 percent of particulate matter. Logan argued that 60 percent of the waste process would be recycled.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the residents in our Ward that will be most impacted by this plan,\u201d Councilmen Tom Zuppa, who criticized the organizers for not having the meeting in Ward C, where the proposed facility would be located. \u201cThis plan is an easy no-go.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zuppa noted the new facility\u2019s additional truck traffic would burden a residential neighborhood. \u201cWhat we\u2019re trying to build in Ward C is a place for community, for families, for clean air, and parks,\u201d Zuppa said.<\/p>\n