We, the residents of Park Hills, MO and surrounding areas, and their supporters, urge Mayor Stacey Easter the City of Park Hills to reject Reworld's/Covanta's Garbage or Materials Processing Facility (MPF) in our community and feet away from the backyards of homes with children. We strongly believe that this facility will pose significant risks to the health, safety, environment, economy, and quality of life of our residents.

Reworld, formerly Covanta, has a long history of environmental and community complaints, including numerous violations related to air and water quality and public complaints about foul odors and excessive noise from their operations. These ongoing issues raise serious concerns about the company's ability to operate responsibly and safely in our community.

The following additional reasons outline why we oppose the placement of this facility in our backyard:

Environmental and Health Risks:

• Water and Soil Contamination: Improper handling of even materials labeled nonhazardous could lead to exposure to harmful chemicals or pollutants, either directly through air, water, or soil contamination, or indirectly through exposure during normal operations.
• Noise Pollution: MPFs typically have large, noisy processing equipment like shredders, conveyors, and compactors. Constant noise from these operations can be disruptive to local residents, making the area less peaceful and impacting overall well-being.  
• Air Pollution: The MPF’s heavy machinery and processing equipment could emit particulate matter and harmful pollutants, leading to poor air quality and exacerbating respiratory issues for residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
• Increased Health Risks: The handling of potentially materials such chemicals) could result in exposure to hazardous substances, which may have long-term health impacts on the community.
• Increased Incidents of Disease: In some cases, improper waste processing and storage could attract pests like rodents or insects, which might increase the spread of diseases in the area. Unsecured waste can also create breeding grounds for bacteria and pathogens.

Negative Impact on Property Values and Quality of Life:

• Decrease in Property Values: The presence of an industrial facility like Covanta’s MPF in a residential area could dramatically lower property values. Studies have shown that the construction of waste processing facilities, especially those that generate noise, traffic, or environmental risks, tends to reduce the appeal of the surrounding area. Homebuyers are often reluctant to purchase homes near industrial operations due to concerns about long-term environmental quality and lifestyle impacts. This could result in residents facing significant financial loss if they need to sell their homes.
• Long-Term Economic Consequences: The negative perception of living near an industrial facility like this could extend beyond individual property values. If property values decrease, local tax revenue may also be reduced, affecting the funding for essential public services like schools, parks, and infrastructure.\

Lack of Transparency and Community Involvement:

Insufficient Public Consultation: We feel that the community has not been adequately involved in the decision-making process regarding the MPF. As residents who will be directly impacted by this facility, we deserve a more transparent and inclusive conversation about its potential risks and consequences.

Concerns About Accountability: We fear that once the MPF is built, the company may not be responsive to community concerns or address issues in a timely or effective manner.

Our Request:

We, the undersigned, respectfully urge Mayor Stacey Easter, mayoral candidates, and the city officials of Park Hills to protect our health, environment, and quality of life.

By signing this petition, we are making it clear that we do not want Covanta’s MPF in our community and that we demand that our concerns be taken into consideration before any further steps forward with this company. The only additional steps that must be taken is to prevent Reworld from coming into our backyards and harming our community.