A Little Lead Poisoning Never Hurt

Georgia lawmakers have raided the state's Hazardous Waste Trust Fund, leaving 539 toxic sites untended.

1 minute read

February 6, 2004, 12:00 PM PST

"About this time last year, lawmakers and the governor's budget experts thought it would be a good idea to take about $9 million out of the Hazardous Waste Trust Fund and spend it on things besides cleaning up the most toxic sites in the state. Currently, there are 539 properties in Georgia that are so contaminated with toxins that they've been placed on a special list of hazardous sites...[the trust fund exists for situations] when no clear line of responsibility can be determined, or when the responsible company goes bankrupt...Perhaps the most outrageous part of the environmental agency's problem is that the Hazardous Waste Trust Fund generates an average of $12.6 million a year. That money comes from fees and permits that hazardous waste handlers have to pay." At some sites, "Lead pollution in the ground is literally off the charts."

Thanks to David Gest

Read the full story: 539 toxic spots in GA

Thursday, January 29, 2004 in Creative Loafing Atlanta

Environment Georgia

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