Waste Dive discusses how the Connecticut DEEP rejects proposed overhaul of major WTE facility on cusp of closure.
- Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) recently rejected plans from the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority (MIRA) to refurbish an aging refuse-derived fuel (RDF) facility for a capital cost of at least $330 million. Commissioner Katie Dykes called it “a false choice, and a bad deal” in a July 14 letter.
- MIRA’s board previously identified exporting to out-of-state landfills as the only near-term alternative, but DEEP is calling for new ideas beyond solely converting the site to a transfer station. The letter asked for more attention to efforts in line with the state’s materials management strategy, such as organics diversion, recycling education and unit-based pricing to drive waste reduction.