HARRISBURG PATRIOT-NEWS: August 01, 2012 … According to [Eric] Epstein, ash put into two of the pits — which later became mountains — on the site was characterized both by DEP and independent analysts at the time as hazardous. The city did not dispose of the ash in a hazardous waste landfill, citing a special exemption in the law. That exemption, Epstein claimed, was declared invalid by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 1994.
Epstein cited Department of Environmental Protection violations at the facility’s ash pits dating back to the mid-1980s and highlighted what may be a new, uglier wrinkle in the incinerator saga.
[DEP spokesman Kevin Sunday] said, “Should the site be transferred, the new permittee would be responsible for ongoing compliance at the site, including any clean-up needed. However, some of Harrisburg Authority’s liabilities may remain in place. Absent a proposed deal, we cannot offer specifics on hypotheticals.” … (more)
EDITOR: A purchaser of an existing toxic waste site is responsible for cleaning up the site. Has the Lancaster County Solid Waste Material Authority obtained engineering and legal assurances from experts pertaining to its exposure and costs?
Jim Warner, CEO of LCSWMA, belittled the charge and pointed out that Epstein is not an expert but a citizens expressing his view.
How dare a citizen express his views! Outrageous behavior. Certainly only an agency official can make the “right” decision. Peons take note.
You don’t have to be an expert to raise an eyebrow on this one. Does Jim Warner think we are beyond dumb? We need answers; fast !
The Harrisburg incinerator ash stored on site was called Mt. Ashmore back in the 80’s. It was an environmental issue back then. But then for some reason the story on the ash went cold … like everything else surrounding that project – the truth is fuzzy. But I would be very careful about buying into that mess.