The village of Hudson Falls has taken a significant step towards cleaner air with the passage of the Hudson Falls Clean Air Law on April 20. This measure requires the 35-year-old Wheelabrator garbage incinerator to upgrade its emissions controls and implement stricter monitoring and public reporting for 16 pollutants.
For years, residents have voiced concerns about the plant’s impact, including occasional white smoke plumes and persistent foul odors affecting nearby homes. The new law, championed by residents and environmental groups, won’t shut down the plant but will compel it to disclose its emissions, giving the community crucial information.
Local groups like the Clean Air Action Network commend the village board for responding to residents’ concerns. The law establishes a “right to know” about air pollution levels from the aging facility, requiring Wheelabrator to publicly report emissions data online, including specific pollutants like PCBs, PFOA, and heavy metals, ensuring greater transparency and oversight.