Sunday, September 28, 2008
Editorial: Apply for EPA help in Pulaski
Cleaning toxic land will aid economic development.
From the RoundTable blog
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The town of Pulaski's industrial past left behind contaminants in the soil. As the town seeks to reinvigorate its economy and attract new businesses, it ought to find out which parcels need cleaning, and the Environmental Protection Agency might help pay the bill if the council asks.
At its Oct. 7 meeting, the town council will decide whether the town should apply for an EPA grant to identify existing and potential brownfield sites. There is no guarantee it would get the money, but it cannot hurt to ask. Indeed, many communities apply several times before the federal agency comes up with funding.
Pulaski once hosted gas stations, foundries and furniture manufacturing on properties that now sit idle. Back when environmental regulations were far laxer than today, those sorts of industrial activities almost inevitably put toxic materials into the ground.
An EPA-funded study would identify not just the potentially dangerous sites, but also some that can be certified clean. Knowing which land is suitable for safe development is just as important as knowing which still needs work.
Town economic development coordinator John White points out that developable green space is in short supply.
Identifying which land is safe for development is just the first step.
"If this is a successful venture and we can convince EPA that we have a long-term plan for the community, then we could go back to them and ask them to invest future funds in cleanup," White said.
Skeptics can find an example of a successful cleanup right in Pulaski. The Honeywell plant there made hydrochloric acid, and left a toxic legacy. Residents referred to the land as "Acid Hill," according to White.
Today, after an extensive cleanup, it is a prime piece of industrial real estate. It is flat and right next to the railroad. White is already marketing it.
There are communities like Pulaski all across the nation where the dirty industrial legacy of the 20th century lingers. If they are to move forward and attract cleaner, 21st century industries, they must first cleanse the land. The Pulaski Town Council cannot afford to pass up a chance at EPA financial assistance in getting started.
