Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 16, 1993 TAG: 9309160200
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By LAURENCE HAMMACK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The tour was part of the second day of proceedings by the grand jury, which was impaneled earlier this month at the request of a group of Northwest Roanoke residents.
Residents of the Signal Hill neighborhood have complained for years that the recycling operation creates clouds of dust that coat their homes, cars and lawns.
Howard Brothers Inc. hauls truckloads of hot slag from Roanoke Electric Steel's furnaces and dumps it in huge piles near Shenandoah Avenue, a short distance from the plant.
In a petition calling for a grand jury investigation, residents said the operation is a public nuisance.
If the special grand jury agrees after an investigation that may take months, it could authorize additional civil action against the companies.
Before touring the site, the five-member panel heard testimony from Charles Mueller, president and owner of Howard Brothers, and a consultant hired by the company in June to review the problem.
After the closed session, an attorney for Howard Brothers said the company is committed to finding a solution.
"We know that the operation we conduct puts some dust into the air," said lawyer Donald Huffman. But according to laboratory tests of the dust, he added, "we know that we are not the only source."
Even though the company is in compliance with air pollution regulations, Huffman said, it has taken several actions in an effort to cut down on billowing of the non-toxic dust.
This week, Howard Brothers announced plans to construct a large building to house part of the operation and prevent the blowing of dust.
And Roanoke Electric Steel has made similar plans to build a melt-shop addition to contain, water and cool the slag for 24 hours before Howard Brothers processes it.
Although residents are encouraged by the latest developments, they want the grand jury investigation to continue.
"We've fooled with this mess for so long, I'll believe it when I see it," resident Lucille McBride said of the latest proposals.
Roanoke Commonwealth's Attorney Donald Caldwell, who is assisting the special grand jury, said it has scheduled its next meeting for Oct. 6, and has asked to hear from state air pollution specialists.
by CNB