BIDDEFORD (AP) – Residents of the neighboring cities of Biddeford and Saco on Tuesday rejected a proposal to borrow $10 million each for a possible buyout of the Maine Energy Recovery Co. incinerator.

The borrowing proposal failed 57 percent to 43 percent in Biddeford and 53 percent to 47 percent in Saco.

Rejection of the bond issues effectively ends talks of closing the trash-to-energy plant in Biddeford, which opened in 1987.

Critics contend the continued operation of the plant presents health and environmental risks. They also say the plant emits foul odors.

But MERC’s owners, Casella Waste Systems of Vermont, proposed installing new odor controls as well as additional environmental testing if the plant stays open.