Hudson Falls neighbors share concerns after garbage plant fires

HUDSON FALLS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A group of people in Hudson Falls raised concerns over a nearby garbage plant that they worry is having negative effects on their health. One woman said the garbage plant has had multiple fires in the last few years, and worries how that smoke is affecting herself and her family.

Andrea Kirby said she lives about 0.1 miles away from the Wheelabrator trash incinerator. Typically, her neighborhood is peaceful, however with the garbage plant right across the street, she said she's been experiencing some issues.

“It's very disconcerting and we are tired of the smell and what its doing to our bodies," said Kirby. "It's upsetting because we don't know could it explode, what toxins are spewing into the air now that we're breathing.”

The most recent fire happened Tuesday evening. Kirby said the outside of her house was very dark with thick, black smoke.

“The big black plume of smoke started coming out and accelerating to a level where a lot of people dialed 911 and the fire department," said Kirby. “If they’re burning toxins that are not good for humans, I definitely believe that were breathing things that we’re not supposed to be.”

NEWS10 reached out to the company in charge of the garbage plant, WIN Waste Innovations. They said the smoke Tuesday night came from a draft fan that had stopped working due to a tripped electrical circuit. However, they were able to fix it quickly.

"The safety technology and protocols in place ensured that the event was immediately addressed, impacts were minimized and the appropriate regulatory authorities were informed," said Mary Urban, director of communications with WIN Waste Innovations. "WIN Waste Innovations is committed to a safety-first approach and we will be reviewing all factors that led to the electrical short to make all necessary adjustments to safeguard against future occurrences. 

Yet, Kirby said she and her neighbors are frustrated. They put together a small group called "Breathe Free Hudson Falls" with a goal to get rid of this garbage plant.

"There’s been times I can't go outside, I have to go back in, so we want people to know that the air quality is not acceptable in this area," said Kirby.

However, Urban said the state needs to keep this plant in place.

"Despite significant recycling and waste reduction efforts, New York is still producing much more waste in the state than it can handle.  Landfills are filling and closing, and what is left is in many cases being transported hundreds of miles away," said Urban. "Waste-to-energy is a critically important partner in managing New York’s post-recycled waste while diverting waste from landfills and creating renewable energy. Our facility operates well within strict regulations and provides an essential service for the county and region."

Urban also said they're working with the Department of Energy Conservation to lower some emissions. In the meantime, Kirby said she and her neighbors plan to attend the next town board meeting next Tuesday to speak all together for the first time. Stick with NEWS10 for updates.