Living on the fence line; how incinerators affect public health.

By Mylika ScatliffeAFRO Women’s Health WriterOn May 28, the South Baltimore Community Land Trust (SBCLT), represented by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and Environmental Integrity Project (EIP), filed a complaint on behalf of the residents in the southern Baltimore City where the Baltimore Refuse Energy Systems Company (BRESCO) is located.Baltimore’s South West community leaders have filed a complaint against Baltimore City Department of Public Works not enough attention was paid to the health of residence on the fence line. Photo: Photo courtesy of Clean Air BaltimoreThe complaint states the Baltimore City Department of Public Works’ ten-year solid waste management plan has not adequately prepared to decrease reliance on BRESCO for waste disposal. The health of residents in the neighborhoods in close proximity to BRESCO including Mt. Winans, Westport, Cherry Hill, Lakeland, Brooklyn and Curtis Bay have suffered disproportionately.& What is an incinerator?An incinerator is a type of furnace designed for burning hazardous materials in a combustion chamber. Incineration is the process of burning hazardous materials at temperatures high enough to destroy contaminants.& A 2019 report from the Tishman Environment and Design Center at the New School in New York City revealed that 79 percent of the 73 incinerators remaining in...