If enacted, this bill would amend Chapter 111 of the General Laws by introducing structured guidelines for monitoring emissions from municipal solid waste incinerators. The required monitoring plans would need to outline methods for sampling and measuring harmful emissions over a 12-month period, providing transparency by making this data accessible to both the Department of Environmental Protection and the public. This initiative is intended to mitigate the environmental and health-related risks posed by toxic emissions from waste combustion processes.
Summary
House Bill H959 focuses on reducing toxic air contaminants from municipal solid waste incinerators in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bill mandates that operators of these facilities develop plans for continuously monitoring a variety of harmful emissions, including carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, dioxins/furans, heavy metals, and more. By instituting continuous emissions monitoring systems, the bill aims to ensure compliance with air quality standards and protect public health from the detrimental effects of hazardous emissions associated with waste incineration.
Contention
Notable points of contention around H959 may arise from the potential compliance burden it imposes on municipal solid waste facilities, along with possible resistance from operators regarding the feasibility and costs of implementing continuous monitoring systems. While supporters emphasize the bill's benefits for environmental protection and public health, opponents may argue that it could lead to increased operational costs and potentially impact waste management strategies within the state. The balance between stringent environmental regulations and manageable operational requirements will be a focal point in discussions surrounding this legislation.