By Nick Mattera
The Community Advisory Committee for Chemical Waste Management got right to business Monday as it appointed a new chairman, questioned why CWM officials don’t attend the meetings and discussed fines issued at the Balmer Road site.
R. Nils Olsen, was named chair of the 15-member advisory committee comprised evenly of members from the Towns of Lewiston and Porter and Niagara County. The former dean of the University at Buffalo Law School, Olsen was recently appointed to the Buffalo Control Board by Gov. David Paterson.
Meeting at Lewiston Town Hall, the panel reviewed reports issued by the state Department of Environmental Conservation from November, December and January.
In the November reporting period, the DEC issued $1,500 in fines to Horwith Trucking Inc. for waste leaking from a truck tailgate, and in a separate incident issued the trucking company an appearance ticket for not possessing the required permits. Waste Recycling Solutions Inc. was issued a court appearance ticket for waste leaking from a tailgate.
In the December reporting period, the DEC issued a $5,000 fine to Price Trucking Corp. for a leaking trailer and two $2,000 fines to Horwith Trucks Inc. for the same offense.
The January report showed fines of $250 to NY Environmental Technologies Inc. for trailer plate numbers not being on the permit and $500 to Maumee Express Inc. for the same offense. The DEC listed one area of concern for the month saying CWM buried a drum in the landfill without DEC review and approval.
The January report also stated the DEC observed the testing of storm water for radiological analysis and observed no problems.
Members of the committee questioned why CWM was not present at the meetings, leaving its new chairman to say it is unfortunate because what CWM does effects the residents of Lewiston and Porter.
“I’ve heard many different reasons why they are not coming. To me, the reasons are not the issue, the issue is this facility is here not at our request,” Olsen said. “At a minimum they need to be here too, as a courtesy to the community which has concerns it wants to discuss. It’s very unfortunate that they don’t come.”
Olsen said state DEC officials have made the process easier by coming to meetings and bringing their insider knowledge of CWM.
“I really thank the DEC, they have been forthcoming in answering our questions and recognizing that there is an issue and that we are in kind of an unequal partnership,” Olsen said.
Amy Witryol told attendees Monday she questioned a CWM representative at a Town of Porter informational meeting on why the company has chosen not to attend CAC meetings and he responded by saying “We’ve just chosen a different path.” Which Witryol said is a disservice to the community.
“The towns and the county and the DEC have and continue to encourage CWM to participate,” said Witryol, a Town of Lewiston representative. “It’s in the community’s best interest for them to participate.”
