Current Events

A recent malfunction at the Hudson Falls Wheelabrator facility has raised concerns among citizens regarding their health and wellness. Balancing the debate between the economy and public health is a difficult challenge. Hands off the Hudson is committed to providing you with the information you need and empowering you to raise your concerns with DEC officials and elected representatives.​

In the News

Neighbors witness black cloud envelope Washington County incinerator- Nov. 6, 2024
Neighbors continue to push for closure of Wheelabrator in Hudson Falls
By Wendy Liberatore,
Staff Writer
Updated Nov 7, 2024 2:03 p.m.

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According to DEC Air Emissions Engineer, the fan malfunction is under investigation and may put them in violation of their Title V Air Permit.
Residents, activists want Wheelabrator garbage plant shuttered
By Wendy Liberatore,
Staff Writer
Aug 24, 2024​

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Footage of Wheelabrators Smoky episode on June 10th
June 10, 2024
This pressure valve malfunction is currently under investigation by the DEC and may have violated their Title V Air Permit
Footage of Wheelabrators malfunctioning pressure valve
Jan 1, 2025

Air Permit Application and PPP

Information regarding Wheelabrators current Air Permit and incomplete application for 2024-2034.  
In order for Wheelabrator to apply for their next Title V (five) Air emissions permit, they must submit modeling of contaminants that are coming from their stacks. Due to their location with in a Disadvantage Community, the DEC required an "air quality impact analysis to assess the potential impacts of co-pollutants (HAPs) emissions on the Draft Disadvantaged Communities identified by the Climate Justice Working Group". These are not real levels, but estimates of the location and concentrations of emissions when taking wind, temperature, and topography (land contour) into consideration.  

The following images were generated and show plumes setting over Hudson Falls in different concentrations.  

"Heavy metals, including mercury (Hg), arsenic, chromium, and nickel, and acid gases, including hydrogen chloride (HCl) and hydrogen fluoride (HF). These toxic air pollutants, also known as hazardous air pollutants (HAP) or air toxics, are known or suspected of causing cancer and other serious health effects. Manmade (anthropogenic) emissions (past and present) have resulted in increased concentrations of mercury in the environment. According to the 2014 National Emission Inventory, approximately 52 tons of mercury are emitted from U.S. manmade sources every year. Over 43% of these emissions are from fossil fuel combustion sources and waste combustion" (Toxic Air Program 2025).

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Background Information

Wheelabrator is a Title V incinerator located on River Street in Hudson Falls, NY.  Their current air and solid waste permits allow them to burn not only municipal waste, but has expanded to other biosolids, such as sewage sludge (see Annual Report 2022). 

Their annual emissions classify this facility as the worst polluting incinerator in the country, largely due to their processing of materials other than just municipal waste and their outdated infrastructure.  The life span of 25 years has not been exceeded and they are currently attempting to obtain a new air permit that would allow them to operate for the next 10 years. 
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DEC info locator can be used to access current emissions by selecting: Title V Air Facilities
gisservices.dec.ny.gov/gis/dil/
IMPORTANT Stats from 2022 (most recent data)
  • 2,060.77 tons of Industrial Waste was received from outside of Washington County 
  • 1,914.40 tons of Industrial Waste was received from outside of New York State (including Canada)

​Click here for the report 
Mixed Municipal Solid Waste (Residential, Institutional, and Commercial) 
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Pharmaceuticals
Tire Burning
Sewage Sludge from Glens Falls
Picture
Ash sent to Land Fill
Performance Log
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