Huffington Post: Local Group Fights Corporation without a Conscience

In This Huffington Post blog, political activist, Hal Donahue, compares the KSL expansion issue to Flint and highlights the impact of community action via Friends of Lackawanna.

Read it Here:

How very far America has fallen was brought home to me in stunning fashion when I read a New York Times article on how the poisoning of Flint, Michigan was uncovered.

 

 

“...Joyce Zhu, a doctoral student, went to collect samples at a Flint hospital, looking for signs of the bacteria that cause Legionnaires’.
“When I turned on the tap, you see this corrosive, reddish, brownish tap water,” she said. “It’s that moment that made it so real.” Ms. Zhu said she had planned on a “typical” academic career, doing lab research with limited application off campus. But after analyzing lead-tainted water samples in the labs in Blacksburg and traveling to Flint, she said, she is considering how her career can benefit the public.
“I grew up in Singapore, where clean water, you take it for granted so much,” Ms. Zhu said...”

 

 

Not only did the United States fail to provide safe water to its citizens, it is readily apparent that government at all levels was unable to prevent environmental disasters. Flint was not an isolated event.

 

 

“Last week’s major chemical spill into West Virginia’s Elk River, which cut off water to more than 300,000 people, came in a state with a long and troubled history of regulating the coal and chemical companies that form the heart of its economy...”

 

 

In January, West Virginia Public Broadcasting reported:

 

 

“A new report released just days after the second anniversary of the Elk River Spill highlights shortcomings of the private water company that dealt with the spill. 300,000 people were told not to use their water for days following the accident. The report asserts that privately owned West Virginia American Water hasn’t taken adequate measures to protect against potential disasters nor invested enough into existing infrastructure, among other complaints. The report comes from Boston Action Research - a project of the Civil Society Institute...”

 

 

Meet the Friends of Lackawanna. A huge local garbage dump (called sanitary landfills in business and political speak) controlled by a billionaire of dubious reputerequested an expansion of Keystone Sanitary Landfill and renewal of its license for an incredible half a century.

Local outrage began building slowly. A non-profit environmental group was officially formed:

 

 

“Friends of Lackawanna is a Pennsylvania Non-Profit committed to protecting the health and safety of the local community, as well as the regional image and the environment. Friends of Lackawanna consists of and represents the interests of citizens concerned with environmental matters, including Keystone Sanitary Landfill, Inc. (“KSL”)’s ongoing operations and proposed Phase III expansion.”

 

 

The younger professional people of Northeastern Pennsylvania, a region often described as downtrodden, seem to have had enough. Pushing older, usually corporate compliant people aside, citizens wanting a future formed Friends of Lackawanna. Starting slowly with letters to the editor, smaller gatherings and quiet meetings, the group built both momentum and experience.

With the exception of the Times-Tribune Newspaper, few other media outlets appear to have any interest. After all, the billionaire ‘businessman’ influences massive regional advertising dollars through family participation in interlocking boards ranging from gambling and banking to religious education and universities. The meeting last week was little different. Yet, an incredibly diverse crowd of citizens in their hundreds packed a local hotel’s largest ball room to ‘Talk Trash’.

Senator Bob Casey introduced a panel of experts including State Senator John Blake, Mr. John Quigley, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Ms. Lois Gibbs, a long time hero of mine who is Founder of the Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ) and CHEJ Science Director Stephen Lester, a graduate of the Harvard University School of Public Health.

The panel presented information concerning the state process and possible legislation at Federal and State legislative levels. Ms. Gibbs presented reality which was confirmed by the rest of the panel - bodies matter. The hundreds of attendees spoke volumes for both consumer interest and hard count votes. By that measure and by the prestige of the panel, Friends of Lackawanna ‘Talking Trash’ was a major success.

Looking at the Friends of Lackawanna filling that ballroom, I wondered if I was seeing the beginning of the end of America’s new Gilded Age. Local action already has some impact at the voting box. Republican political elites have lost control of their party and populist candidate Bernie Sanders is pressuring Democratic Party front runner Hillary Clinton.

Millennials have the courage to confront the corporatocracy. Gilded Age laissez faire capitalism is again failing faster than communism. The question is not if, but rather when. Friends of Lackawanna indicates it will be soon.

Follow Hal Donahue on Twitter: www.twitter.com/haldonahue

Michele and Pat Join NEPA Scene Podcast for a Chat

Thanks to NEPA Scene for having Michele Dempsey and Pat Clark ofFriends of Lackawanna on its podcast this week. Listen using the link below or download it on iTunes or SoundCloud (Search "NEPA Scene"). It's an in-depth discussion that covers what we believe is the single most important issue facing NEPA's future. A special thanks to our hosts, Rich Howells and Markie Dennebaum for a thoughtful (and analogy-filled) discussion.

 

Listen Here

Letters to the Editor 3/22/2016: Lois Gibbs

Fight landfill plan

Editor: Environmental injustices are far too common in our country. Issues are ignored. Policies are shortsighted. If no one fights back, nothing changes.

The proposed expansion of Keystone Sanitary Landfill is a perfect example. Nationally, Pennsylvania consistently ranks among leading importers of trash. Locally, Northeast Pennsylvania already has two mega-dumps and plenty of capacity. So why does Keystone Landfill need 50 more years’ worth of garbage? It looks to take advantage of the people of Northeast Pennsylvania and keep its lid open as the symbolic trash can of the Northeast.

Common sense tells us that landfills don’t belong in the middle of communities. They don’t belong near schools, parks or water supplies. The people who live near a landfill deserve protections and assurances that their health is not in jeopardy.

However, unless people stand up for themselves, these expansions often skate through unopposed.

Sometimes, a community stands up and fights for what is right. I was part of such a movement when I started the Love Canal Homeowners’ Association in 1978. Now, through my role as the founder of the nationally recognized Center for Health, Environment & Justice, I am fortunate to help communities stand up and fight every day.

Your community is fortunate. You have fighters. You have the Friends of Lackawanna. We have worked with these organized, dedicated, and caring people over the past year. We will continue to work with them on their mission. I hope that the people and politicians of Northeast Pennsylvania will talk to them, listen to them and help them. They are fighting for your future and they deserve your support.

LOIS MARIE GIBBS

FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA

Editor’s note: The writer, an environmental activist, participated in a local panel discussion Monday on landfills, trash and their local and state impact.

Editorial: Dump Cash No Benefit

In Today's Scranton Times, the Editorial Board lays out a firm position why the monies the State receives from the landfill should not be considered a benefit. We couldn't agree more.

Excerpt:

The forum produced some valuable insight about the harm/benefit analysis of the dump expansion that will be conducted by the state Department of Environmental Protection in the course of considering a permit.

Each time a landfill seeks a new permit or an expansion permit, it includes as a benefit the amount of money that it will pay to its local government and the state government.

That money, even when it amounts to millions of dollars, should not be considered a benefit in the state’s analysis. It is not some windfall magically bestowed upon the local or state government by beneficent dump operator. Rather, it is state-mandated recompense for the extraordinary burden that the dump imposes on the local community. And the taxes and fees paid the state are nothing more than the cost of doing business.

Read More Here

Chris Kelly: More Than Talk on Trash

"Cheers to the 400-plus community-minded citizens who turned out for the “Let’s Talk Trash” forum at the Radisson at Lackawanna Station hotel. The free event hosted by Friends of Lackawanna marked an unmistakable step forward in stopping the unconscionable proposed 50-year expansion of Keystone Sanitary Landfill in Dunmore and Throop.

It’s time for neighbors to stand up and stick together against a common threat. Last night was a good start, but this is a marathon, not a sprint. Never forget that."

Read More HERE

Times: Environmental Advocate: Keystone Landfill Debate Is Nationally Important

“This is the largest landfill I have seen in my 37 years,” Ms. Gibbs said, eliciting reactions from hundreds of attendees ranging from murmurs to exclamations. “I cannot imagine what it’s going to look like with a 50-year permit. ... I’ve never seen a 50-year permit.”

We are grateful to the esteemed panel who shared their time and insights with us last night and to Senator Casey for his introduction and continued support. We are also grateful to those who came to the event and everyone who supports this important effort to protect our community. As Stephen Lester stated, it is the pressure from the citizens on the elected officials and DEP that will make the difference. You make the difference!

Read More Here

Chris Kelly: No Love For Landfill

In Today's Sunday Scranton Times, Chris Kelly speaks with Lois Gibbs, Founder of the Center for Health and Environmental Justice, and gives his perspective on KSL's plans for a 50 year expansion.

 

Excerpt

“As long as there is a place to dump, (politicians) never have to answer the real question, which is, ‘Why are we dumping this stuff at all, and especially where people live?’ ” Ms. GIbbs said.

That such a basic question remains open nearly 40 years after Love Canal is a national disgrace. The poisoned water crisis in Flint, Michigan, is just the latest empirical evidence that government and industry are too cozy for public comfort, let alone safety. We are living in a new Gilded Age. Its beneficiaries will reign as long as we cooperate.

I marvel at the mendacity of those who demonize defenders of the environment. Really, what could be more precious than the natural state in which we live and leave our descendants? That’s a rhetorical question, of course. Nothing could be more important. The conspiratorial silence of our alleged elected leaders — with the exception of Mr. Casey — is testament to Mrs. Gibbs’ assertion that salvation awaits in the ballot box.

Editorial: Anti-Landfill Group's Growth

Excerpt

"The grass-roots group...has evolved into a public advocacy association and helps illuminate health and safety issues facing the community."

You plan. And you work. And work some more. And eventually, you start making a difference. Thank you to everyone who supports our mission. And thank you to the Scranton Times Editorial Board for the encouraging words of support in today's editorial.

Please join us Monday, March 21st at 6pm at our event, Let's Talk Trash, at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel in Scranton.

Let's Talk Trash Panelist on Corbett

Here's a great interview with Lois Gibbs (the famous Love Canal activist) with Steve Corbett on Thursday, March 17th. Lois will be joining us on March 21 at our event, Let's Talk Trash.

Lois on Friends of Lackawanna: "I have 35 years of experience looking at groups across the country from sea to shining sea....and they are taking the bull by the horns...and bringing about HOPE..."

Thank you for the kind words of support Lois and we are proud to carry on your mission of standing up and actually doing something to help our future.

Listen Here

Double Standard?

Democrats on the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee attacked Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder Thursday as he testified over the Flint water contamination crisis. PA Congressman Matt Cartwright, in response to Mr. Snyder's responses, goes on record as saying, "Plausible deniability only works when it’s plausible," and "People who put dollars over the fundamental safety of people do not belong in government."

We couldn't agree more, Congressman. The monetary "benefits" of the Keystone Sanitary Landfill will never outweigh the harm that it is doing to the people, land and natural resources of this great valley. Not to mention that all of our elected officials have been put on notice that Keystone Sanitary Landfill has been leaking leachate into our groundwater for 13 YEARS, with no remediation.

We call on Congressman Matt Cartwright and all of our elected officials to say ‪#‎ENOUGHISENOUGH‬

Chris Kelly: Changing NEPA Politics Requires Righteous Stampede

Thank you, Chris Kelly, for helping us amplify our voices. We hope others will continue to join in as they begin to understand what is at stake.

Excerpt:
Friends of Lackawanna has set the local standard for generating noise. The nonprofit grass-roots group opposes the proposed 50-year expansion of the Keystone landfill, which would pollute Dunmore, Throop and their neighbors in perpetuity. On March 21 at 6 p.m. at the Radisson at Lackawanna Station hotel, Friends of Lackawanna will host a free presentation introduced by Sen. Bob Casey.

The panel includes Lois Gibbs, the mother who exposed the environmental crimes of Love Canal and went on to found the nonprofit Center for Health, Environment & Justice. She is coming here because local people who dare challenge the toxic status quo reached out and did so out loud.

FOL to Host Trash Forum

Come talk trash with us!

Excerpt:
Friends of Lackawanna wants to talk trash.

The grass-roots group opposed to Keystone Sanitary Landfill’s expansion plan organized a forum later this month in Scranton to discuss why Pennsylvania is one of the country’s leading garbage importers and how the state can be a catalyst for better public policy.

“I feel like we are the ghost of Christmas future for a lot of other communities who will find themselves in our position and don’t know it yet,” said Michele Dempsey, one of the group’s leaders. “(Keystone’s proposed nearly half-century expansion) has put a bright spotlight on what’s wrong with our laws and regulations.”

The March 21 “Let’s Talk Trash” panel discussion scheduled for 6 p.m. at Radisson at Lackawanna Station hotel is free and open to the public.

Participants will include Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey; state Sen. John Blake, D-22, Archbald; John Quigley, secretary of the state Department of Environmental Protection; Lois Gibbs, founder of the Center for Health, Environment & Justice; and Stephen Lester, science director of the CHEJ.

 

Things that will Trash you home's value: landfills and power plants.

When researchers looked at five municipal landfills near residential property in Cleveland, Ohio, they found the stench was enough to drag down property values by 5.5% to 7.3%. Landfills are most hurtful in populated, expensive, residential areas. The effect was basically nonexistent in sparse, rural areas.

Likewise, the University of California at Berkeley found homes within two miles of a power plant drop 3% to 7% in value.

http://www.businessinsider.com/factors-lessen-home-value-2015-11

 

Editorial: Don't Let Fee Boost Landfills

The Times-Tribune Editorial Board nails it on the head!

Excerpt:
Landfills must be taxed to compensate for their massive environmental and economic impacts. But that also makes the government dependent upon them for revenue. Consider the symbiotic relationship between the state government and the casino industry. Harrisburg smiles on gambling expansion without regard for its vast negative social impact because the state government itself is a croupier.

Mr. Blake says he wants to fund more recycling to help mitigate the impact of the proposed massive expansion of the Keystone Landfill in Dunmore and Throop. But he shouldn’t be focusing on mitigation. His object should be to stop the expansion, which is contrary to the public interest in many ways.

Dunmore Borough’s government already has demonstrated that it can’t cut its umbilical cord to landfill cash.

State officials should not create any new incentive to make the landfill expansion look attractive. It would be a blow to Northeast Pennsylvania whether the fee is $6.25 or $8 a ton.

http://thetimes-tribune.com/…/don-t-let-fee-boost-landfills…

Sewer Permit Inquiry Valid

Thank you, Scranton City Council and Times-Tribune Editorial Board for bringing this issue to the public. Recent admissions of "miscommunications" and "typographical errors" in matters regarding the health and safety of our citizens signal incompetence at best and cover-up at worst.

Excerpt:
City council exhibited fortitude this week by pushing forward with an inquiry into the recent modification of a Scranton Sewer Authority discharge permit for Keystone Sanitary Landfill.

Michele Dempsey, a leader of Friends of Lackawanna, a grass-roots group opposed to the landfill’s ominous, massive expansion plan, recently gave Councilmen Bill Gaughan and Wayne Evans documents apparently indicating the sewer agency in December changed the dump’s wastewater-discharge permit, adding a second line for leachate, the liquid runoff from garbage. Council members have justifiable concerns that the apparent alteration allows the landfill to use the secondary line for leachate, in addition to a dedicated sewer line.

Gene Barrett, executive director of the authority, said the modification only corrected a typographical error and that the landfill’s original permit allowed discharge into the alternate line.


http://thetimes-tribune.com/…/sewer-permit-inquiry-valid-1.…

In the Dark of Night, Foul Odor & a Changed Permit

KSL's Wastewater Permit CHANGED Mid-Contract to Allow Use of the Green Ridge Sewer Line in Apparent Violation of Settlement Agreement with the Residents of Scranton

Because the citizens of Scranton and Scranton Council did not want leachate running through the Green Ridge line--which is a combined sewer overflow line where leachate could back up into their homes, overflow into the Lackawanna River or smells and toxins could escape through stormwater drains into the air--they entered into a Settlement Agreement with Keystone Sanitary Landfill (KSL) in 1990 that resulted in a dedicated line being constructed to take leachate from the landfill to the Sewer Authority.

KSL's 2012-2017 Wastewater Permit with SSA ONLY permitted use of the dedicated line, consistent with the Settlement Agreement. However, during the investigation of the mysterious malodorous substance that flowed through the Green Ridge line and evacuated the Sleep Inn and St. Joe's last September, Friends of Lackawanna raised questions about KSL's use of the Green Ridge line since they had admitted to running leachate down it that same night in violation of the permit. On December 17, 2015, the Scranton Sewer Authority CHANGED the permit to ALLOW use of the Green Ridge line for leachate!

There does not appear to be any special conditions for this use and since the Green Ridge line is gravity fed, why would KSL pay to pump leachate through the dedicated line? Also, broken pumps or "mechanical failures" should not have been an excuse to use the unpermitted Green Ridge line--the leachate lagoons at KSL can hold 11 million gallons and are required to be able to handle overflow and the leachate can be trucked to the SSA, as it was for 3 years during construction of KSL's onsite pre-treatment plant.

This landfill continues to play by a different set of rules and put the health and safety of our citizens at risk. It needs to be shut down. Enough is enough!

 

http://m.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-council-to-review-landfill-leachate-issue-1.2011973?pplogin=true

Pat Clark on Steve Corbett Show

"We established our strategy, decided how we can win this and now we are doing our damndest to execute the plan to the best of our ability." - Pat Clark summarizing the Friends of Lackawanna plan this past Friday on Corbett.

This segment provides a good summary of the current status of our activities, discusses the enormous effort FOL is putting forth and a call to action for people that want to get involved.

 

http://media.wilknewsradio.com/a/113367494/attorney-pat-clark-friends-of-lackawanna-and-corbett-update-on-fight-against-keystone-landfill-expansion.htm