By David Hallquist
Historically, the impact of the Lowell asbestos mines cannot be overstated. Local communities depended on the mines for over a century before its production was promptly halted in 1993. Since then, the mining property has ceased to yield anything, and has not been applied to any purpose besides being a dump for hazardous asbestos mine tailings. Employment in the area has become a problem. Directing the area towards a renewed and useful future, while creating jobs, would be the ideal situation for these mines. The Lamoille Economic Development Corporation has suggested such a fresh, nonhazardous rehabilitation, to be located on the old-mine site. Biomass, created through tree plantations, could be produced in the area, with easy transportation to powerplants or liquefying operations because of the existing mine infrastructure. Employment would be resurrected with the proposed implementation of biomass production. Before this progressive condition can be attained, however, the mines must first be cleaned. The controversial Superfund status must be secured so that the Lowell mines region can develop into a stronger environmental and economic community.
Article located at: http://vtdigger.org/2012/01/29/hallquist-repurposing-eden-mines/
Showing posts with label Popular Article. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Popular Article. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Popular Article: Superfund Status of Lowell Asbestos Mine
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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