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Sierra Club Lawsuits

Hazardous Waste Incinerator Poses Threat of Air Pollution in St. Louis Area

Case Updates:

August 2, 2005

Even after we sent a notice letter detailing serious problems with a permit for the Onyx hazardous waste incinerator, the Bush administration has refused to protect public health and consider other options. The risks of long-term releases of air pollution and mercury from the misguided permit are too great to standby quietly, and now Sierra Club has filed a legal complaint to force the administration to face up to the facts.

May 2, 2005

The Onyx hazardous waste incinerator across the Mississippi River from St. Louis has a long and detailed history of repeatedly violating laws that normally protect residents from toxic air pollution. This history includes explosions that have hospitalized workers and plagued the neighboring communities with clouds of poisonous gas along with continued, long-term releases of cancer-causing air pollution and damaging mercury. The company recently applied for an operating permit that would do nothing to address the ongoing pollution problems or to resolve its continued violations. Sierra Club has now filed a notice letter with the Bush administration to take a serious look at the permit, and to come up with a realistic plan that will properly manage the dangerous pollution. We hope that the EPA addresses our concerns for the health of local communities before the end of our 60-day notice period; if not, we will move forward with a lawsuit along with coalition partner American Bottom Conservancy.

Details and Documents:

Complaint for Declaratory and Injuntive Relief
August 2nd, 2005, United States District Court of Illinois, Eastern Division

Groups Threaten Suit Over Hazardous Waste Incinerator
April 27, 2005, American Bottom Conservancy & Sierra Club Press Release

Final Notice, Intent to Sue
April 27, 2005