EPA sets timetable for VIM Recycling

By Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

Tools

(WSBT file photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Jun 30, 2009 at 5:11 PM EST

Story Updated: Jul 2, 2009 at 11:11 AM EST

ELKHART — The EPA has worked out an agreement with VIM Recycling to reduce the amount of scrap wood at the company site.

Multimedia

Watch The Video

Two years ago this month, a massive fire killed one person and injured another. The hope is this latest step will reduce neighbors’ safety concerns about the site.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management had wanted that same material removed last September, but difficulties arose that prevented it.

“What the EPA agreement basically states is it creates a timetable for us to get that off the property — which we were trying to do previous to the fire and previous to September 30 of last year — and that timeline is very strict and structured,” explained VIP Spokesman Tom Holt.

The EPA has set a December 31 deadline to have it removed or the company faces fines.

“I believe we have to relieve 1,000 cubic yards a week of a certain size material,” Holt said.

Neighbors told WSBT News they feel it is a step in the right direction. However they still feel more needs to be done to rectify the situation.

Neighbors want to make sure there will be no more explosions and fires at the site, similar to what happened in June 2007.

"I know my kids are very gun shy,” said Brandy Trosper, who lives by the facility. “They hear a boom and ask if it blew up again, and I mean they're still worried themselves."

"The neighbors consistently have to put up with the smell, the stench, and it definitely, definitely is not moving the way it should be on behalf of the neighbors,” said neighbor Wayne Stutsman.

"As much as we don't like having government involved in business, we are thankful that they are working with us to try to find resolution,” Holt added.

More Good Stuff

WSBT Weather

Current Temp 54.4

More Weather

WSBT Weather

More Weather

On Demand

iPhone
Get the WSBT News and Irish Sports Report apps for your iPhone! Read more »
On DVD
Order a DVD of a WSBT news story! Read more »
Twitter
Follow us on Twitter! Read more »
Facebook
Connect with us on Facebook! Read more »
WSBT E-News
Daily StormTracker e-mails right to your Inbox! Read more »
Video On Demand
Miss a story on WSBT News? Watch it here! Read more »
CBS Shows
Watch CBS shows and news online, free! Read more »
WSBT Alert
Breaking News & Weather right to your cell phone! Read more »
Mobile
WSBT News on the go for your cell phone or PDA. Read more »
RSS Feeds
Get news and updates as soon as they're published. Read more »

Stock Quotes

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.