Please don't build an incinerator where I live

Summary

The transcript features a passionate community member expressing deep concern over a proposed waste incinerator in Matreville, a neighborhood with a history of pollution. The speaker reflects on the area's past environmental issues and highlights the potential dangers of burning waste, particularly materials containing harmful chemicals like PVC. With a strong emphasis on public health, especially for local children, the speaker argues against the incinerator, citing its proximity to homes and the risk of air pollution affecting thousands in the Sydney basin. The plea underscores the community's responsibility to protect future generations from environmental harm.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker has deep roots in Matreville, having lived there his entire life and cherishing the community.
• 🌱 Despite fond memories, the speaker reflects on the toxic environment caused by nearby heavy industries in the past.
• 🛑 The proposed incinerator in Matreville raises concerns about returning to a polluted environment similar to the past.
• ♻️ The incinerator is set to burn 165,000 tons of waste, including materials from recycling processes that may contain harmful chemicals.
• ⚠️ Incinerating chlorinated materials can produce dioxins and persistent pollutants that are dangerous to health and the environment.
• 🏙️ A significant portion of the local population (over 580,000 people) could be affected by pollutants from the proposed incinerator.
• 🚧 The height of the proposed incinerator stack (65 meters) is intended to disperse emissions, but there's concern about where the pollutants will settle.
• 👶 The community is particularly worried about the health impacts on children, some of whom have severe asthma.
• 🚛 There will be an increase in truck traffic (up to 100 trucks a day) to transport waste, which may worsen local traffic conditions.
• ❌ The speaker argues that the incinerator will provide no benefits to the community while posing significant health risks.

Q & A

What is the speaker's connection to Matreville?

The speaker has lived in Matreville for most of their life and has deep roots in the community, having grown up there and had family ties for over 60 years.

What historical industrial activities contributed to pollution in Matreville?

Historically, there were several industrial sites in the area, including an oil refinery, a power station, paper mills, and a chemical factory, which were significant sources of pollution.

What is the primary concern regarding the proposed waste incinerator?

The main concern is that the incinerator will burn waste materials that contain chlorinated compounds, potentially releasing harmful pollutants such as dioxins into the environment.

How much waste is the proposed incinerator expected to process annually?

The incinerator is proposed to process 165,000 tons of selected waste each year.

What are the health implications of the pollutants emitted from the incinerator?

The speaker emphasizes that pollutants from the incinerator, particularly nanoparticles, can enter the bloodstream, cross the blood-brain barrier, and pose health risks to the local population, especially children.

What is the projected impact area of the incinerator's emissions?

Within one kilometer of the incinerator, over 5,000 people will be exposed, and within 10 kilometers, over 580,000 people could be affected by the emissions.

What logistical challenges are anticipated with the incinerator's operation?

The incinerator is expected to result in increased truck traffic, with up to 100 trucks a day transporting waste, which will contribute to congestion and strain local infrastructure.

How does the speaker feel about the potential benefits of the incinerator for the community?

The speaker believes that the incinerator provides no benefits to the community and represents a backward step in terms of public health and environmental safety.

What is the speaker's stance on the local government's responsibility regarding this issue?

The speaker urges local government officials to reconsider the incinerator proposal, emphasizing the duty to protect the health of current and future generations.

How does the community view the potential health risks from the incinerator?

The community is highly concerned about the health risks associated with the incinerator, particularly for vulnerable populations like children with asthma, who may suffer from increased pollution exposure.