Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 22, 1992 TAG: 9201220394
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: FRED C. JONES III
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
THE WHEELS of justice turn slowly. When it comes to environmental issues, they often seem to stop.Witness the Kim-Stan disaster. One owner skipped town with his millions, while the other seeks legal loopholes to protect himself. Virginia taxpayers pick up the tab for the cleanup effort, while the citizens of Alleghany County suffer the consequences.
Even if Alleghany County had had a crystal ball, there was little it could have done. The Dillon Rule puts localities at the mercy of the state. If the state is experiencing a budget shortfall, citizens endure toxic emissions until understaffed agencies can respond.
Two firms have shown interest in purchasing one or more of the three financially strapped chemical plants here in Floyd County. Nova Chem out of Louisiana markets off-spec chemicals. Quadrex, ostensibly, will recycle antifreeze. In Florida and Tennessee, Quadrex processes radioactive and/or hazardous waste. This is of particular interest, since the New River Valley and especially Floyd County will soon be facing the issue of potentially siting a disposal facility to receive the low-level radioactive waste from eight Southeasternstates, according to the New River Valley District Planning Commission.
If the economic development of our county moves in this direction, we will have no control of these industries at the local level. Our experience has shown they can operate with impunity until gross violations are evident.
If the state wishes to retain authority in these matters, it must act responsibly. Regulations should not be relaxed when hazardous wastes are processed under the guise of recycling.
The state should require these industries to provide proper facilities, safe procedures, and trained personnel. Adequate controls to protect the citizenry and environment in the event of an accident should be mandatory. It does no good to close the barn door after the horse is out. Prevention is the key.
Floyd County faces a situation that could make the disaster of Kim-Stan pale in comparison. Many here feel there should be some local control over these industries. The Dillon Rule, as our supervisors interpret it, means that will not happen.
Fred C. Jones III, a former veterinarian, farms in Pilot.