More than two months after the approval of a contract to build a waste-to-energy plant in Allentown, the city's environmental advisory council spoke out against the project tonight.

EAC chairwoman Julie Thomases said the $35 million plant places the city at unnecessary risk for financial losses and environmental damage, while discouraging the adoption of less expensive and healthier alternatives.

"Allentown has no control over any aspect of the operation of the facility, including monitoring, maintenance or problems that may arise if this untried technology fails," Thomas said during a city council meeting tonight.

The presentation came as council approved two federal pass-through grants for the project, which will be constructed on the Little Lehigh Creek and is expected to be in operation by 2015.

Council President Julio Guridy noted that a 35-year contract with Delta Thermo Energy Inc. was already approved by council on March 7 during a crowded public meeting that lasted more than five hours...