Improvements Promise Cleaner Emissions from Newark Trash Incinerator

The state Department of Environmental Protection praised a plan announced Thursday to further reduce emissions from the Essex County Resource Recovery Facility, a “waste-to-energy” trash incinerator located on Raymond Boulevard in the East Ward.

“I commend Covanta, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and New York City for working as partners with the DEP to reach this important agreement, which sets an aggressive schedule for the installation of state-of-the-art baghouse technology that will significantly improve emissions from the facility and improve the quality of air in New Jersey's largest city,” DEP Commissioner Bob Martin said in a statement.  “This is a milestone for clean air and a win for the residents of Newark.”

The facility is operated by Covanta Energy Corporation, which has reached a deal with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to run the plant through at least 2032, with an option to continue through 2052.

The facility, opened in 1990, receives waste from throughout Essex County as well as New York City.

As part of its deal with the Port Authority, Covanta will install a “state of the art” particulate emissions control system -- known as a “baghouse” -- as well as a metal recycling system. Construction is expected to begin in 2014 and will be completed in 2016, the company said, adding that the facility is already in compliance with environmental regulations. The upgrade will cost between $75 and $100 million, the company also said.  
 
“Covanta is committed to providing the cleanest and most reliable source of energy from waste in the world and we are proud to be a good corporate neighbor to the residents of Newark and all the communities we serve,” said Anthony Orlando, president and Chief Executive Officer of Covanta Energy. “Our plans to upgrade the Essex County facility represent a significant investment by Covanta and we expect to achieve attractive returns from both an environmental and financial perspective.”
 
“Nothing is more fundamental to our well-being than the air we breathe,” said Mayor Cory Booker. “This new baghouse filter represents a milestone in using advanced technology to protect public health and enhance the quality of life in Newark. As a strong advocate for this upgrade, I am proud to be celebrating today’s major achievement with Covanta and everyone else who made it possible. We look forward to deepening all our partnerships for Newark’s sustainability, so that the urban environment supports health and prosperity for all who live, work, and play here.”
 
Covanta is also installing a compressed natural gas refueling station at the facility, which will power solid-waste collection vehicles. The facility currently produces enough electricity to power about 45,000 homes.