To the editor:

As County legislators continue to search for ways to deal with the County’s growing trash problems, the following questions need to be answered: 

Question 1. Why are legislators even considering a trash incinerator as a viable solution? The only response to the County’s Request for Proposals (RFP) on constructing an incinerator came from Reworld, whose proposal clearly states their business plan may require importing trash and/or paying extra money to meet Reworld’s profit demands, in a so-called “put-or-pay” system. Reworld’s proposed trash removal contract specifically says “...We also recommend it be structured as a put or pay with sufficient performance to support project financing. To be clear, the County will not need to guarantee any indebtedness, only its performance under the contract, which shall primarily be the delivery of sufficient quantities of MSW…” even if that means trucking in tons more trash. 

Question 2. Why doesn’t the County RFP specifically rule out importation of trash or required cash equivalents? This is unknown. All it says is the trash is to be “…waste generated within Sullivan County and to develop agreements with surrounding counties.” There is no definition of the ‘surrounding counties’ or any limitation as to how much trash might be imported from them. 

Question 3. Will Sullivan County be next? This business plan from Reworld (formally Covanta) requiring a trash volume minimum or cash payments has caused bankruptcies or near-bankruptcies in, but not limited to the following: 

• Harrisburg, PA
• Claremont, NH 
• Poughkeepsie, NY 
• Detroit, MI 
• Hudson Falls, NY 
• Lake County, FL and 
• New Jersey counties 

Burning garbage destroys human and environmental health, local economy and property values. “Reworld’s put-or-pay” business plan demands increased trash volume for their profits. Reducing trash volumes can and must be done. Los Angeles among other places including Alachua County, FL, have reduced their trash volumes by over 50 percent or more. 

Sullivan County must adopt plans to do the same! 

Star D. Hesse, Narrowsburg

B. Arrindell, Director, Damascus Citizens for Sustainability