On Monday, I played witness to an event which has not happened often in the past two-plus decades the Maine Energy Recovery Company incinerator has loomed over the twin cities.

Sitting around the large conference room table at the Saco Transportation Center, officials from Biddeford, Saco, the Maine Legislature and executive branch, along with third party business representatives, were eye-to-eye with the powers-that-be from Casella Waste. Brian Oliver, Ken Robbins and most importantly, Jim Bohlig, sat quietly listening to the “ground rules” and intent of the task force, convened in the room by dictate of Gov. John Baldacci.

Most businesspeople would shy away from a meeting whose agenda included finding new ways of either using their facility, or shutting it down.

I really wasn’t sure how Bohlig and Casella would approach the task force. A media blitz in newspapers across Maine (with the exception of the Journal Tribune) has been waged in the past few weeks, advising the populace of Maine Energy’s commitment to being “green” and its economic advantages.  For all intents and purposes, it appears that Casella, through Bohlig’s editorial board visits and proclamations, was more interested in keeping Maine Energy open (or selling it to the highest bidder) than pursuing its contractual obligations to work with Biddeford to bring closure to the facility.

At least one participant in the task force (and one of the key reasons why it even exists), Sen. Barry Hobbins, vocally took exception to the media blitz, though only for a brief period of time.

So, despite the potential for rancor, the meeting was calm and well-managed by Maine Department of Economic Development Commissioner John Richardson. A few “outcomes” were achieved, and Casella was open regarding potential bidders and the idea that the twin cities might actually be able to buy the facility.

Now comes the true test. The task force should continue to meet and focus on the problem at hand: Finding an economically viable and fair way to rid the downtown of the incinerator.

Even though the Maine Department of Environmental Protection has become increasingly interested and involved in odor issues, particularly reports to the Enviroline and general complaints, I sincerely doubt that its officials will use their powers to shutter the plant. I can see Commissioner David Littell and his officials levying fines and penalties upon the facility, even complicating the soon-to-begin licensing process, but it would be politically unpopular for the department (though it possibly can) to demand Maine Energy be closed.

Hobbins also has legislation pending which would make transfer of the facility and the approval of air licenses much more difficult. I believe the legislation has short-term potential, but needs greater backing from the executive branch to make closure permanent.

Once again, the state’s issue has been put in the laps of local officials. Therefore, finding the true value of the facility to bring forth closure is the best way forward.

Knowing Baldacci is at least tacitly involved through his task force, maybe the state can pony up much of the purchase price if it is lower than the proported $52 million. Think of Richardson’s ability to bring forth economic redevelopment within Biddeford if Maine Energy wasn’t an excuse, a stumbling block?

Knowing that dozens of communities use the facility, this remains a regional, a state issue, not just Biddeford and Saco’s problem. The taxpayers here should receive assistance from Maine in buying out the incinerator knowing that towns as far as Sanford receive services from Maine Energy.

Finally, kudos to Biddeford City Manager John Bubier, Saco Economic Development Director Peter Morelli, Biddeford Environmental Protection officer Brian Phinney and especially Biddeford Mayor Joanne Twomey for making such a meeting happen. Despite Twomey’s nerves, she piloted the power players to the table for the first time in years.

Now, I just hope they all can get something done, and soon.

— Questions? Comments? Contact Publisher Drew McMullin at 282-1535, Ext. 326 or  dmcmullin@gwi.net.

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