Local group exposes threat from hazardous waste spill in Westbrook, ME: Industry still trying to quarry on site

This year in Westbrook, Maine Pike Industries proposed building a permanent rock crushing facility and asphalt plant 300 feet away from a large hazardous waste spill, threatening to disturb the waste and exposing the community to health greater health risks. The issue of the site and the quarry weren’t connected until members of community group Westbrook Residents for Environmental Safety and Trust (WREST) worked with Toxics Action Center’s Taryn Hallweaver shine the spotlight on our concerns in the media.

 

In June, the City Council voted to deny Pike Industries permit application for the quarry. Despite this victory, the campaign to prevent the quarry continues.  A pending court case and potential settlement between Pike Industries and local businesses could allow the quarry to operate within certain restrictions. The City Council is due to vote on the settlement this spring.