By Katherine Daly

Residents raised concerns about noise and potential waste burning from ReWorld, formerly Covanta, during the public participation portion of the City Council meeting on Tuesday.

ReWorld operates the Bristol Resource Recovery Facility, which helps 14 nearby communities, including Berlin, Branford, Burlington and Southington, manage their waste.

During the meeting, citizens like Diana Kosis expressed their frustrations about the constant noise from the ReWorld Waste facility. Kosis described the sounds as unbearable, comparing them to a wailing baby that never stops.

Her comments reflected a broader disappointment among residents who feel their concerns about the factory’s impact on their quality of life have been ignored.

“Can you open your hearts and truly listen to the impact stories shared tonight by those who are here,” Kosis said.

Kosis emphasized that the government exists to serve the people, particularly those who lack the resources or power to advocate for themselves. She added that factors such as a person’s town of residence, economic status, or how long they’ve lived in the area should not matter.

“You need to see them as human beings striving to contribute to society, with the right to peace that enhances their quality of life.”

Francis Pickering, a Southington resident, also voiced his frustration about noise from ReWorld. Pickering, who purchased his home, said the area was quiet until 2023 when an unusual noise disrupted his nights.

Determined to identify the source, he consulted with professionals about noise detection equipment. Eventually, he discovered the sound was coming from the ReWorld plant.

Pickering urged Council members to ensure ReWorld follows state noise regulations, stressing that the plant’s noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing nearby neighborhoods.

“It is in violation of state law, yet Bristol has done nothing about it,” Pickering said.

Pickering added that noise pollution is not just a nuisance, but a serious issue with significant health impacts, similar to air pollution. He said that constant noise in quiet communities can lead to heart attacks, strokes, stress, anxiety, depression and even premature death.

David James, a resident living three miles away from the facility, echoed similar concerns. He voiced his opposition to both the noise pollution caused by ReWorld and any potential permits allowing the burning of biomedical waste in the area.

James expressed concern about the impact that noise from the ReWorld waste facility is having on his family’s health and quality of life due to the with constant, overwhelming noise from the facility for over two years.

“This has affected our physical, mental and emotional health,” James said. “The home we chose to start and raise our family in is no longer the sanctuary it should be.”

James described the noise as an incessant, drowning hum that impacts them every night.

“We can’t sleep, we can’t drown out the grating, vibrating hum,” James said. “It’s enough to make us search for peace, but we can’t escape it. It’s clear we can’t control it.”

James also pointed out that other towns and communities have notified ReWorld about the constant humming noise, but the company has taken no action.

He questioned, If ReWorld can’t even address the noise issue, how can we trust them to properly manage the burning of biomedical waste.

“The answer is that we can’t do anything about it. The issue stems from the noise and the lack of meaningful action on ReWorld’s part,” James said. “Now, the possibility of them burning medical waste makes our family consider moving elsewhere.”

James contended to the Council that ReWorld is focused solely on making a profit and is not concerned about the well-being of surrounding communities, especially if they proceed with burning biomedical waste.

“ReWorld, as it operates nowl especially with plans to burn biomedical waste does not belong in our backyard or anyone else’s,” James said.

Later in the meeting, Mayor Jeff Caggiano responded to the concerns raised by James and other residents, reassuring the public that their voices were being heard.

“We are listening to all of you,” Caggiano said. “Right now, the noise issue is being addressed by the Bristol-Burlington Health District. Additionally, there is ongoing litigation regarding the matter.”

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