EPA's Statement on the Demolition of the ASARCO Stacks

Statement

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the following statement today addressing the demolition of the ASARCO stacks:

"EPA has reviewed the Trustee's demolition plan for stacks at ASARCO," said Ron Curry, EPA regional administrator. "We believe the plan includes the appropriate steps necessary to be protective of both the environment and people living in the area. EPA will have people on-site before, during and after the demolition. Following the demolition, EPA and State officials will evaluate compliance with the plan.

"In the last several weeks, I have been in regular contact with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Region 6 Administrator and EPA officials in Washington, to address concerns surrounding the ASARCO demolition and site remediation," said Rep. O'Rourke. "My main priority is protecting public health, ensuring the safe remediation of the site and protecting the adjacent Rio Grande River. I believe the EPA shares these priorities and I am pleased that they have answered the questions raised by the community and my office. They have expressed to me their commitment to a safe and complete remediation of the site and to assuring that all funds in the trust are used for that purpose going forward. I plan to work with the EPA to make sure they fulfill their unique obligation as a beneficiary of the trust."

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