May 29, 2009 3:56 pm US/Eastern
EPA Sues MD Steel Plant Owners
SPARROWS POINT, Md. (WJZ) ―
One of Maryland's largest environmental groups says waiting 12-years for a clean-up is long enough. The environmental group has decided to go to court.
Alex DeMetrick reports, the target is pollution from Sparrows Point.
Generations of steel making at Sparrows Point has left a lot to clean up.
A consent decree signed 12-years ago was supposed to mark the start of that work.
"Twelve-years-ago and the work has still not been done. One could say it's hardly even begun," said Will Baker, president of Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
So now past and present steel makers, the federal EPA and the State Department of Environment are being sued by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
We hope to protect those who live downstream from the toxic chemicals and heavy metals that leach through the soil into waterways.
Scoop up a little of what's on the bottom around Sparrows Point, and you can see why.
Maryland's Department of Environment says there are no quick fixes at Sparrows point.
The group bringing the suit says legal pressure could force a faster clean-up.
Under federal law, filing an intention to sue will give the parties 90-days to talk things out.
If there is no resolution, the suit activates.
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