By Paul and Ellen Connett
September 27, 2020
Press & Sun-Bulletin (Binghamton NY)
We would like to thank state Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo for calling for a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to be performed on the SungEel lithium-ion battery-recycling project proposed for Endicott.
Many dangers have emerged about this “first of its kind” operation in the U.S. since it was first proposed. Not least of which is the fact that not just a few but nearly all lithium-ion batteries contain PFAS (Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The EPA has acknowledged that these are notoriously difficult to destroy without producing many other highly toxic PFAS in the burning process.
It’s incredible that this project has gone so far forward without a site visit to the proposed location on the corner of Robble and Clark, by either Empire State Development (which has offered $1.75 million in taxpayer subsidies to the project) or the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), which recklessly issued a “negative declaration,” thereby bypassing an EIS.
If the DEC grants Assemblywoman Lupardo’s request, it will at last give the community of Endicott eyes, ears and a voice on this project. Her intervention on behalf of her constituents is welcomed. Having suffered the health effects of previous industrial activities they deserve nothing less.
Paul and Ellen Connett, Binghamton
NoBurnBroome 