The large trash incinerator in Chester is operated by ReWorld (called Covanta until April of 2024), a Morristown, NJ company that operates 36 incinerators in the U.S. and 14 more outside the country. The Chester incinerator is the largest in the entire United States. Located on the Chester riverfront, it serves not only Chester but all of Delaware County and parts of Philadelphia, New York City, and cities in New Jersey.  It burns 3,500 tons of trash per day (450 truckloads) and generates 89 megawatts of electricity, or enough to power 100,000 homes in the Northeast. 

While it contributes substantially to the city’s revenue, it is a great concern to city residents because of health problems. For example, the childhood asthma rate in Chester is five times the national average. Chester residents are significantly more likely to develop lung cancer or ovarian cancer or die from a stroke or heart disease than other Delaware County residents. And 450 truckloads a day create heavy traffic in Chester. 

ReWorld is monitored by PA DEP according to environmental requirements in its operating permit based on the Clean Air Act and the Air Pollution Control Act, and it continues to meet those requirements every quarter. But the requirements are not complete or sufficient. For example, ReWorld’s limits for the nitrogen oxides that trigger asthma attacks are grandfathered well above current standards. There are no controls for the carcinogenic dioxins and mercury they release.

The health problems in Chester appear to be caused by emissions not covered by the operating permit, because they are grandfathered or not yet covered by the Clean Air Act or the Air Pollution Control Act.

(Wikipedia, PBS NOVA, Energy Justice Network)