Media Release:

Toxic Ten Awards 2002: Energy Plant and Former Chemical Facility Highlight First Annual Toxic Ten Awards

For More Information: Maggie Drummond or Harris Parnell (207) 871-1810

For Immediate Release: April 1, 2002

Portland- Toxics Action Center released the winners of its First Annual Toxic Ten Awards, "honoring" ten of the State's top environmental and public health threats.

This year's awards include Boralex, Inc. of Athens for uncontrolled fires in a waste pile that includes demolition debris and dioxin-forming PVC plastic, and the former Holtrachem site in Orrington where 20,000 gallons of mercury-contaminated brine escaped along the banks of the Penobscot River, nearly 6,000 gallons of which reached the waterway during the site's history.

"While many polluters pose a threat to the citizens of Maine, this year's winners deserve special recognition for the dangers they pose to the environment and their neighbors," said Maggie Drummond, Field Director for Toxics Action Center. "This is one honorary list you don't want to be on."

The awards, selected from nominations made by residents across the state, were chosen by a committee of environmental professionals, public health experts, and community organizers. The recipients were selected based on the severity of the potential threat they pose and the unwillingness of the polluters and government officials to adequately address the situation.

See attached list for descriptions of this year's winners.

"Maine's Toxic Ten Awards shine the light on our dirty little secrets," said Drummond. "These are not the Superfund sites of the state, but the "problem" areas that regular citizens deal with every day in their backyards."

Since 1987, Toxics Action Center has helped over 400 neighborhood groups address toxic and environmental health problems in their communities.

HoltraChem Site
Orrington

Department of Public Works
Portland

Crossroads Landfill
Norridgewock

MERC
Biddeford

Boralex, Inc.
Athens

Smith Septic Services
Pittston

Town Landfill
Lamoine

Pinetree Landfill
Hampden

Drowne Road School
Cumberland

SELECTION COMMITTEE 2002

Mike Belliveau
NRCM

Dr. Sydney Sewall
Physicians for Social Responsibility

Matthew Davis
USPIRG

Will Everitt
Toxics Action Center

Toxic Ten Awards 2002
Media Conference Schedule

Monday, April 1st:

10:00am, Department of Public Works, Portland
Peace and Justice Center, One Pleasant Street, Portland (4th Floor)

Wednesday, April 3rd:

10:00am, New England Organics, Leeds
Strickland Ferry Road, First residence on the left side.
DIRECTIONS: From Lewiston-Auburn, take Route 4 north to Route 219 east. Go over 3 bridges then turn north on Route 106. It is exactly 2 miles to the Leeds/Livermore Falls town line. Strickland Loop Road is on the left.

11:00 am, Boralex, Inc., Athens
In front of Boralex, Inc. gates.
DIRECTIONS: Take Route 150, one mile north of Athens village. Boralex, Inc. plant is on the left side.

Thursday, April 4th:

10:00am, Smith Septic Services, Pittston
Hunts Meadow Road, Pittston
DIRECTIONS: Exit 27 off of 95. Follow 201 through Randolph and over the Gardiner/Randolph bridge. Turn right onto 27. After one mile, turn left onto 126. After four miles, turn right onto Hunts Meadow Road. Site 1.5 miles down on right.
RAIN LOCATION: Same as above, but another .5 mile from 126, on the right. House is white with three bay garage.

11:00am, Holtrachem Site, Orrington
Public Park, Brewer
Directions: On 95, take the exit for 395, Bangor/Brewer. Take exit 4 off 395. Go left off the ramp onto Route 15 and the park is immediately on the right side by the river.

Tuesday, April 9th:

1:30pm, Pine Tree Landfill, Hampden
Location: TBA

Other Events to be announced:
Crossroads Landfill, Norridgewock
Drowne Road School, Cumberland