The proposal is being considered for approval by the state’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. It has drawn opposition from several environmental groups, including Food & Water Watch.
“Whether you live next door to the proposed methane refinery [or] A few hours away in Dover or Wilmington, Bioenergy Devco’s offerings will make an impact on you,” said Greg Layton, organizer of Food & Water Watch. “Not only will the proposed biogas facility exacerbate climate change, water quality and environmental injustice, it will do little or nothing to solve the state’s pollution problem.”
The location of the facility is too close to nearby residents and workers, according to Maria Payan of Sussex Health and Environmental Network. This includes mobile home parks and small business employees.
“According to Sussex County’s own zoning code, this facility must be located in a heavy industrial area and not in an agricultural/residential community. she said.
She urged state environmental regulators not to approve the facility’s license to operate. “The health of our children and grandchildren and the future of our air and waterways depend on it,” she said.
