freshare.net
Despite a long history of toxic chemical releases, explosions and the fact that it has been operating without a permit for 13 years, the Veolia hazardous waste incinerator near St. Louis was issued a clean air permit by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA issued the permit late last week.
Located across the river from St. Louis, the incinerator is situated in a densely populated area and is only a short distance from the Arch, Busch Stadium and the low income neighborhoods of East St. Louis.
In the past few years, the facility has been fined over $3 million including a $150,000 payment it agreed to for allegations that it had violated air pollution standards.
So why would the Illinois Sierra Club be happy about the issuance of a permit? Because, according to the group’s clean air campaign chair Verena Owens, “the facility now has to meet federally enforcable standards.”
Typically, Clean Air Act operating permits are issued by the states. But the Sierra Club, along with a group called the American Bottom Conservancy, said that Illinois’ permit was deficient. The two groups eventually sued the EPA, requesting that the courts order the federal agency to issue the permit or deny it.
The EPA finally relented and issued the Veolia incinerator its first operating permit.
Both groups can appeal the permit to the Environmental Appeals Board in Washington, DC during a 30 day window of opportunity. The Sierra Club said it has not yet decided whether to make an appeal, but American Bottom Conservancy said it could make a case either way.
Kathy Andria, president of the conservancy group said that, although the EPA permit is something better than what the state came up with, her organization is disappointed that any permit was issued. She went on to say that she doubted the facility would be able to comply with the terms of this or any other operating permit.
Andria said that conversations with workers at the incinerator revealed that many violations occur routinely. For example, when explosions happen, workers simply open up the windows to let out the fumes, venting noxious odors and hazardous emissions into the surrounding neighborhoods.
Andria said her group feels that the sandy soil, a propensity for flooding in the area, the presence of two fault lines nearby and a large population within just a few miles of the facility are enough to make the case that the Veolia incinerator is located in the wrong place.