Maine Governor Baldacci Discusses Progress at HoltraChem Facility Clean Up

August 22, 2007 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci joined Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner David Littell and members of the Maine People’s Alliance Wednesday afternoon to discuss progress being made with respect to cleaning the site of the former HoltraChem chlor-alkali facility in Orrington. The Governor and Commissioner announced that the first four phases are nearly complete and a fifth phase has been approved. All phases are in a series of steps designed to clean up the site to protect the environment and public health.

“In the last year, I am pleased to report that much progress has been made, including the removal of the cell building itself,” Governor Baldacci said. “The site is starting to appear very different as the work has focused on the dismantling of structures in preparation for long term remedial activities.”

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The first four phases approved by the DEP involved the dismantling of the internal portions of the mercury cell building, the removal of equipment contaminated with mercury, the cleaning of residual material in tanks and draining of rectifiers and transformers, and the removal of seven buildings, which were contaminated to the point that the demolition debris was considered a hazardous waste for mercury. The fourth phase is nearly complete. Phase 5 includes the removal of seven additional buildings and 20 additional tanks. Phase 5 was approved earlier this month by DEP and is expected to take 6 � months to complete.

“We are moving deliberatively and prudently to protect the Penobscot River and the health of the people of Maine,” Commissioner Littell said. “We have made significant progress at the HoltraChem site, removing highly contaminated buildings, tanks and other material, and, as the Governor said, we should be proud of that effort.”

“While state officials have known about the significant mercury pollution at HoltraChem and in the Penobscot River for more than 30 years,” said Jesse Graham, Executive Director of the Maine People’s Alliance, “it wasn’t until the Baldacci Administration that the Maine People’s Alliance and the residents of Orrington have seen significant cleanup move forward.”

The appearance of the Orrington site has changed considerably with the removal of several buildings. Phase 5 will continue changing the look of the site, with seven structures scheduled for removal, including the Old Well Pump Station, the Nitromethane Building and three River Well Pump Houses.

“Groups like the Maine People’s Alliance, as well as individual Maine citizens, play an important role in concert with our Department of Environmental Protection to assure the protection of Maine’s environment,” Governor Baldacci said. “My Administration remains committed to ensuring that the public is informed and involved as we clean up this toxic site.”

Source: Maine Governor