Seeking debate on waste facility

The group is concerned about a plan that officials from West Hazleton-based Micci Energy Corp. presented last week to Hazle Township officials for a municipal solid waste gasification plant there.

The plant would melt solid waste into liquid form, then cool the lava-like byproduct to solid material that could be sold as ingredients for products such as road material and insulation.

Despite assurances from a research scientist on behalf of Micci during a township supervisors meeting last week, the group has concerns.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Citizens for Responsible Environmental and Economic Development, or NEPA CREED, was formed by folks who oppose a municipal waste incineration plant in Pittston Township.

In a news release, the group is described as "a grassroots organization dedicated to protecting the quality of life and natural environment in Northeastern Pennsylvania."

Group spokesman Tammy Urbanski listed concerns the group has about the Hazle Township proposal, including increased health risks, increased truck traffic, economic impact, whether environmental concerns for incineration also apply to plasma gasification facilities and the importing of out-of-state garbage.

"In an effort to address these concerns and to have a better understanding of the different approaches to handling waste, we ask that the developers of this proposed municipal waste facility participate in a public debate with our expert in this field," the news release states.

West Hazleton resident Constance Olsen, secretary of Micci Corp., said she would like to arrange a meeting with CREED members to address their concerns.

Olsen said she will try to work with CREED representatives to find an agreeable time for a meeting with a plasma technology expert and other Micci Corp. officers: the president, who is also her husband, Ed Olsen; and vice president Anthony Palma of Philadelphia.

The Times Leader provided Olsen and CREED spokeswoman Urbanski with each other's contact information. The newspaper will publish the time and date of the meeting or debate if and when it is scheduled.

Steve Mocarsky, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 459-2005.