Options
(Host) State environmental officials have ruled that the Omya Corporation needs a solid waste permit to dump waste material in abandoned quarries in Pittsford.
The decision by Environmental Conservation Commissioner Jeffrey Wennberg reverses a preliminary ruling Wennberg made this fall.
Omya uses calcium carbonate ore to make paint pigment and other industrial products. The ore is treated with chemical additives and preservatives.
But the chemicals also end up in the waste material. Wennberg says the chemicals have leached through to groundwater and may pose a threat to public health.
Pat Parenteau, a professor at Vermont Law School, represents several families in Pittsford who have pushed the state to require the permit. He says he's pleased with Wennberg's decision.
(Parenteau) Now the question will become what kind of certificate will be issued and what kind of safeguards to make sure this waste will not pose a threat to groundwater or other environmental conditions.
(Host) The state also required Omya to get a dam permit to make sure the material is stored safely.
VPR Headlines
- Following DUI Charge, Salmon Speaks To Personal Responsibility Friday, 11/20/09 5:50pm
- Leahy To Meet With Homeland Security On Farm Worker Crackdown Friday, 11/20/09 5:50pm
- Rutland Remembers Joseph Foley Friday, 11/20/09 5:50pm
- Racine Supports Program Cuts, Tax Increases To Balance Budget Friday, 11/20/09 5:50pm
- VT Edition: Doug Racine Friday, 11/20/09 1pm
Vermont Edition
- Hunger Worsens In Vermont Monday, 11/23/09 Noon and 7pm
- State Senator Doug Racine Friday, 11/20/09 Noon and 7pm
- Going Blind Later In Life Thursday, 11/19/09 Noon and 7pm
Commentaries
More from John Dillon
Following DUI Charge, Salmon Speaks To Personal Responsibility
Friday, 11/20/09 5:50pm - VPR News
Leahy To Meet With Homeland Security On Farm Worker Crackdown
Friday, 11/20/09 5:50pm - VPR News
Democrats Hold First Debate
Friday, 11/20/09 7:35am - VPR News
Immigration Officials Investigating Vt. Dairy Farms
Thursday, 11/19/09 5:50pm - VPR News
Schools Will Be Asked To Tighten Budgets
Monday, 11/16/09 5:50pm - VPR News
© Copyright 2009, VPR
This is the online edition of VPR News. Text versions of VPR news stories may be updated and they may vary slightly from the broadcast version.