photo credit: Creative Commons
A graphic of the microwave pyrolysis system.

A controversial proposal by the plastic recycling company Resynergi to expand in Rohnert Park was the focal point of the August 26 city council meeting.

The company’s plan would augment its pyrolysis reactor, what Resynergi calls a “first-of-its-kind technology” that uses microwaves to break down plastic into oil that can make new plastic.

Around 20 residents of Rohnert Park and nearby areas went up to the podium to express their outrage over potential negative impacts of Resynergi’s pyrolysis reactor.

“ I have to worry about fire. I have to worry about an explosion. I have to worry about cancer. I have to worry about toxic water, toxic soil, toxic air,” Kirsten Van Nuys, a mother of two current students at Credo High School, said, her voice strained.

The school is located within a thousand feet from Resynergi.

“The possibilities for harm to my kids are endless,” Van Nuys said.

Credo High School student body president Alima Koniak made a public comment from the students’ perspective.

She said although Resynergi’s mission to reduce plastic waste sounded good on paper, she thought students’ and communities’ health should not be put at risk just to test whether the plan is safe.

“ It really does seem from going to their presentations and their open houses that the mixed information we were getting is not clear, because if they are truly confident in what they are saying and what they are doing, they would not have conflicting information,” Koniak said.

Rohnert Park City Manager Marcela Piedra responded to allegations the city didn’t properly notify residents about the project, which was met with boos.

“As what you have seen, obviously the Bay Area District has provided notification, which is part of…,” she said before being cut off by exasperated groans from attendees.

…Ambient noise of meeting attendees saying “That’s a lie!”

Piedra said that if the Bay Area Air District does not approve Resynergi’s draft evaluation permit, the City of Rohnert Park will prohibit the company from moving forward with the proposed expansion project.

The final date of the public comment period is October 3.