Lief Ericson
PA Department of Environmental Protection
Southcentral Region
Air Quality
909 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
lericson@state.pa.us

Dear Mr. Ericson:

I have grave concerns about permitting the Harrisburg incinerator to continue to operate. Since the incinerator reopened in January under the agreement negotiated with the PA Department of Environmental Protection, the incinerator has undergone two dioxin tests and at least one unit failed both of them.

First, the dioxin level permitted under the negotiated agreement of 1,500 nanograms of dioxin seems extremely high when compared to the level set for large incinerators of 60 nanograms. Yet, even at that level the operators of the incinerator exceeded the limit in the first test by 275 nanograms and 500 nanograms in the second. The Harrisburg Authority and the City of Harrisburg should not be allowed to continue to operate after twice violating their agreement with DEP, especially in light of the incinerator's poor record. Since 1997, the incinerator has failed 57of the 62 DEP inspections for waste handling. This shows reckless disregard for the public's safety and the safety of the city's sanitation workers.

While you may think it is in the public's interest to permit this incinerator to continue to operate despite its failing, some of us in the public would like to see the Department of Environmental Protection protect us and the environment. We don't know how much harm the incinerator has done because neither the city nor DEP has studied the degradation to the environment or public health that has resulted from 29 years of operation. What we do know is that there are huge piles of ash sitting next to the incinerator and neighborhoods with some of the highest concentrations of people in the city. We know that the city routinely fails to pass inspections and tests.

We know that DEP has bent over backward - bordering on dereliction of its duty - to accommodate the city. Now its time to stand up and do the Department's duty to protect the city's residents and its neighbors who share our environment. I urge you to deny the permit modifications the city seeks and close down the incinerator.

Sincerely,

Wendi Taylor
1724 Green Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102