December 8, 2003
Judge mulls HoltraChem cleanup
A federal judge is looking into a massive cleanup effort at the site of the former HoltraChem facility in Orrington after scientists reported potentially dangerous mercury levels in the Penobscot River.
Senior U.S. District Judge Gene Carter has ordered the team of scientists to conduct further studies to determine the feasibility of removing the mercury rather than letting it dissipate naturally, the Bangor Daily News reported. The team in January reported that sediment and animals near the site had elevated levels of toxic mercury, which they said could pose a risk to people.
The study is part of the case against Mallinckrodt Inc., the former owner of the facility, which in 2002 was found financially responsible for determining the extent of mercury pollution below the plant and already has paid $30 million to clean up the site. Mallinckrodt had sought in court to delay further studies, according to the paper.
Senior U.S. District Judge Gene Carter has ordered the team of scientists to conduct further studies to determine the feasibility of removing the mercury rather than letting it dissipate naturally, the Bangor Daily News reported. The team in January reported that sediment and animals near the site had elevated levels of toxic mercury, which they said could pose a risk to people.
The study is part of the case against Mallinckrodt Inc., the former owner of the facility, which in 2002 was found financially responsible for determining the extent of mercury pollution below the plant and already has paid $30 million to clean up the site. Mallinckrodt had sought in court to delay further studies, according to the paper.
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