South Coast Renewables

On August 26th, I attended the New Bedford Board of Health hearing regarding South Coast Renewables' solid waste and construction debris transfer station proposal at their facility in the New Bedford Industrial Park. The hearing, held at the Pulaski Elementary School, was well attended by residents from the area, various city counselors and state representatives, including me. The Board of Health heard testimony from the proponents, as well as the Conservation Law Foundation on behalf of the citizens group, fire protection, and other experts. Before this hearing, I submitted a letter(below) along with my colleague Rep. Steve Ouellette, recommending that the Board of Health reject this project.

After the hearing on August 26th, I continue to believe that it is the wrong project, in the wrong location, and that New Bedford and its residents should not have to bear the burden of having the highest concentration of waste facilities in Massachusetts. As reported in The New Bedford Light on August 21, 2025, New Bedford has one of the highest concentrations of waste facilities in Massachusetts now, and will be number one if this project is approved.

I support the neighbors in the 10th Bristol District and throughout Ward 1, along with the citizens group, who oppose this project.

Download below to read the letter, or read the transcribed version below.

Reps. Sylvia and Ouellette public comment to NB BOH - Municiple Waste Facility Aug 26, 202

Download SYLVIA AND OUELLETTE PUBLIC COMMENT TO NB BOH - MUNICIPLE WASTE FACILITY AUG 26, 202 • 231KB

August 26, 2025

City of New Bedford Board of Health

1213 Purchase Street

New Bedford, MA 02745

Re: South Coast Renewables’ proposal for a municipal solid waste and construction debris waste facility located at 100 Duchaine Blvd

Dear Chair Blanchard and Members of the Board:

We are writing to express serious concern regarding the application submitted by South Coast Renewables to operate a municipal solid waste and construction debris waste facility at 100 Duchaine Blvd in the City of New Bedford. The proposed location raises significant and legitimate concerns about its impact on public health, environmental quality, neighborhood safety, and residents’ overall quality of life.

This facility, if approved, would be situated next to densely populated residential areas. Residents are understandably concerned about the potential for nuisance odors, air and noise pollution, increased traffic, vector and pest activity, and fire risk—all of which are commonly associated with solid waste operations. These concerns, raised in testimony by local citizens and supported by environmental professionals, should not be underestimated.

While we appreciate the applicant’s intent to expand business operations in the city, we do not believe this type of facility is appropriate for the proposed location and believe the Board of Health should deny this application. Moreover, as highlighted in a recent article in The New Bedford Light and confirmed in public testimony, New Bedford already hosts more solid waste facilities than most communities in the Commonwealth, placing a disproportionate environmental and health burden on our neighborhoods—particularly in the north end.

If, however, the Board decides to approve this proposal, we strongly urge that it be contingent on very strict, enforceable conditions that protect the health and safety of residents. These conditions should include, but not limited to:

• Comprehensive air quality monitoring, including controls for odor and particulate matter

• Noise management protocols

• Traffic control plans to mitigate volume and flow

• Litter and dust suppression measures

• Ongoing pest and vector control programs

• A framework for routine inspections and public reporting

It is essential that the City not only implement such measures, with input from the neighbors, but also maintain the capacity to enforce them effectively and consistently over the long term, and that there be significant penalties, including suspension of or revocation of the permit, if such conditions are not met.

As State Representatives and advocates for the health and well-being of the New Bedford community, we urge the Board to deny this application in the best interest of our residents. We respectfully ask that you prioritize the health, safety, and environmental sustainability of our neighborhoods in your deliberations.

Thank you for your attention and your service to the residents of New Bedford.

Sincerely,

Mark D. Sylvia

State Representative

10th Bristol District

Steven J. Ouellette

State Representative

8th Bristol District