Studio 2 Extra: Philadelphia suburb hosts nation’s largest trash incinerator
The documentary "Trash & Burn" alleges that America's largest trash incinerator is causing Chester's childhood asthma rates to be four times the national average.
Listen 11:36
The Covanta trash incinerator on Chester's waterfront. (Emma Lee/WHYY)
Bilal Motley grew up in Chester, Pennsylvania, where nearly everyone he knew suffered from asthma, a stark reality reflected in the city’s childhood asthma rate of 27%. The rate is over four times the national average, and he and many others attribute this to the massive trash incinerator on the city’s waterfront that burns 3,500 tons of waste daily from several states. As the director of his latest documentary, “Trash & Burn,” which chronicles the community’s fight against the incinerator, Motley aims to highlight local advocates’ efforts to shut down the plant for decades.
Motley will screen the film for free on November 19th at Widener University’s Freedom Hall.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Brought to you by Studio 2
Should Philadelphia get permanent pedestrian zones?
Many cities worldwide embrace pedestrian-friendly design and even places around the US are playing with the concept. But what will it take for us to get there?
Air Date: September 12, 2024 12:00 pm
Listen 51:44
Brandywine Valley’s trail system in Pa. and Del. set for new additions and closures
After an in-depth assessment of the trail system, First State National Historical Park identified the need to add and close several trails for user safety.
5 months ago
Listen 1:25
HUD places Chester Housing Authority on ‘troubled’ list
The Chester Housing Authority’s designation is due to “poor physical conditions.” Meanwhile, a federal probe into bribery and fraud recently delivered a trio of guilty pleas.
8 months ago
Listen 1:10