| ECOLOGY |
The PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced on November 5, 2003 that they had initiated legal action against Neville Chemical Company for discharging a hazardous chemical to the Ohio River and for failing to follow a clean up order from the DEP. The main issue revolves around seepage from ground water to the Ohio River of a light oil that causes a sheen along the shore of the river. The problem occurred when one of the plant water wells was shutdown by order of the DEP. Since getting permission to restart this well, Neville has spent considerable effort and money to contain the spill. We have installed ten additional monitoring wells on the riverbank, near the spill. We have also built an oil recovery well near the shoreline to help intercept additional oil from reaching the shoreline. Neville has spent and continues to spend considerable resources in addressing this problem. During this time we have kept the DEP apprised of our efforts and plans. On October 30, 2003, Neville presented a comprehensive clean up plan to the DEP. While we are not sure what prompted DEP to take the action they announced on November 5, 2003, it will in no way reduce our continuing efforts to address the problem. Many of the statements in the DEP announcement, especially those dealing with years of noncompliance, are mischaracterizations and are strongly objected to by Neville. We believe the DEP action is unwarranted and will vigorously defend ourselves in any legal matter. In spite of this action we truly believe that the DEP wants to resolve all environmental issues relating to our Neville Island facility. We look forward to working with the DEP in resolving these issues at the Environmental Hearing Board. |
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