Town Manager Tells McKee North Kingstown Strongly Opposed to Proposed Pyrolysis Facility

Town Manager Tells McKee North Kingstown Strongly Opposed to Proposed Pyrolysis Facility

There is growing opposition from North Kingstown officials to the proposed Pyrolysis facility at Quonset Business Park.

The company that is proposing the facility is Green Energy’s subsidiary —  QSS Biosolids, which claims the pyrolysis plant relies on a closed-loop system without an open flame to turn solid sewage byproducts into nutrient-rich fertilizer.

Former State Senator James Sheehan and State Representative Julie Casmiro have argued against the plant and zeroed in on what they called a failed process for approving the facility.

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Now, North Kingstown Town Manager Ralph Mollis has written a letter to Governor Dan McKee raising concerns about the facility and the process.

Mollis wrote, “On behalf of the residents of North Kingstown, I am writing to express our community’s strong opposition to the proposed QSS Biosolids, LLC pyrolysis facility at Quonset Business Park (135 All American Way, North Kingstown, Rhode Island). Equally concerning as the project itself is the lack of meaningful public engagement throughout the approval process. This concern is further heightened by indications that the facility may rely on emerging technology that may have encountered challenges in other parts of the country.”

McKee, who serves as the chair of the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, has not taken a position for or against the facility. In response to questions from GoLocal, McKee’s press office said, “In a letter last month, Governor McKee sent a clear message that more transparency and community outreach were needed regarding the Biosolids facility. North Kingstown deserves a higher level of engagement, and the Governor will stand with the community and the decision they reach.”

 

Questioning Public Process

“As of today, this proposal has not included any form of notice to abutting residents and has not been subject to any form of a public meeting or hearing. It is my understanding that the proposal was discussed in executive session on two separate occasions with only a single public meeting held. At the public meeting, the QDC Board of Directors appears to have voted on an Agenda Item that was described and published as “Approval of Ground Lease to Global Solutions, LLC.” The entity referenced also appears to differ from the company reportedly responsible for developing the project,” added Mollis.

Regardless of location, Rhode Island has a crushing need to find a disposal option for sewage solids.

Mollis wrote in his letter, “While we recognize the importance of addressing biosolids management, the lack of public engagement and the proposed location adjacent to multiple neighborhoods, an affordable housing complex, a new residential development of more than 300 homes, and within two miles of three schools and early childhood development centers, raises significant concerns regarding its impact on our community.”

“As Town Manager, I am equally concerned with the impact this could have on the outstanding partnership that has developed between QDC and the Town of North Kingstown. In my over nine years as Town Manager, I have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with QDC Director Steve King. I feel that our work together has played a significant role in the incredible success of Quonset Business Park, positive economic impact to the State of Rhode Island, as well as a positive economic impact to North Kingstown. It is to the benefit of QDC and all of Rhode Island that the public trust in QDC is restored. I look forward to working with Mr. King and that our positive and successful relationship continues to help Quonset Business Park and many of its critical tenants continue to grow and prosper,” added Mollis.