Proposed Trash Port Sparks Concerns in Chesapeake and South Hampton Roads

Chesapeake City Council members have expressed deep concerns over a proposed trash port on the Portsmouth waterfront, which could redefine South Hampton Roads as an East Coast dumping ground and hinder the city's economic development efforts. The proposal by Covanta Energy Corp. to import household garbage from New York City and elsewhere for disposal in southeastern Virginia has sparked alarm and frustration among local leaders. The trash port would be located directly across the Elizabeth River from luxury condos in South Norfolk, a key area for revitalization.

Key Takeaways:

• The proposed trash port, which would be located on 10 acres in Portsmouth, is part of a plan to import an average of 2,200 tons of out-of-state garbage per day, starting from 2008.
• The garbage would be burned and converted to steam and electricity, which would be sold for profit, generating millions of dollars each year for the Southeastern Public Service Authority.
• The project would pose a significant threat to the revitalization efforts in South Norfolk, with Councilman Cliff Hayes saying, "It's a serious and significant threat to what we're trying to do in revitalizing South Norfolk."
• The Chesapeake City Council has scheduled a vote on a series of resolutions opposing the Portsmouth site and any out-of-state trash coming to the area, citing concerns over public health and safety, environmental risks, and adverse impacts on regional economic development.
• The project would generate significant economic activity, but local leaders argue that the costs outweigh the benefits, with Mayor Dalton Edge saying, "I just hate to see us become 'Trash Central U.S.A.'"
• The development of luxury condominiums at Belharbour Station at SoNo, with 350 units priced at $350,000 on average, would be negatively impacted by the presence of a trash port across the Elizabeth River.

Statistics:

• The proposed trash port would welcome an average of 2,200 tons of out-of-state garbage each day, starting from 2008.
• The Southeastern Public Service Authority stands to make millions of dollars each year by burning the trash, although the exact figure is not specified.
• The development of Belharbour Station at SoNo would feature 350 condominium units, priced at $350,000 on average, and 230 apartment units in buildings that could be as high as 12 stories tall.
• The proposed ordinance opposing the project by Councilwoman Debbie Ritter would address the perceived risks of leaks, spills, accidents, contaminated run-off, odor, and traffic congestion associated with the trash port.

Sources:

• Mike Gruss, "A proposed trash port on the Portsmouth waterfront could sit across the Elizabeth River from luxury condos in South Norfolk," The Virginian-Pilot, Chesapeake, January 2008.
• Warren Harris, memo to City Manager Clarence Cuffee, January 2008.
• Covanta Energy Corp., permit application filed last week.
• Department of Environmental Quality, public notice of the proposed port.
• John Hadfield, executive director for the Southeastern Public Service Authority, unavailable for comment.