Faced with a looming decision, residents of Lowell and Eden fear the “superfund stigma” and property value loss of an intensive EPA clean up of the Lowell Asbestos Mine. The estimated cost of cleaning the mine is between $20 to 100 million dollars, as allocated by the government. The state has tried to stabilize the large tailing piles at the mine, but tests have proven that traces of asbestos have made their way through wetlands and can be found one mile away from the site. Despite the studies conducted, several citizens claim that there are no direct health concerns for people, so the state should just leave the piles alone. Supporters of the superfund clean up are driven by the potential of renewable energy; if the site is cleaned, future development of a biomass plant is possible. Governor Peter Shumlin promised to gain approval from both towns before deeming Lowell as a superfund site. Early in March, Vermonters unanimously voted against the superfund status with 103 votes to 38 in Lowell, and 106 to 3 in Eden. These residents rejected the cleanup proposal, concerned that the superfund would do more harm than good, worrying their private property would be included as part of the EPA project.. As a dominantly working class township, the citizens of Eden and Lowell’s economic stability lies in their property value, which is seemingly more important than environmental or human health impacts of asbestos mining.
Articles Used:
Lowell Eyes Superfund Designation for Mine
February 25, 2012
Orleans Record
Rejecting Superfund Status Puts End to Asbestos Clean Up
John Dillion
March 8, 2012
Vermont Public Radio
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