Demolition of Diaz Chemical Begins
Crews have started destroying the old Diaz Chemical Plant in Holley. In 2002, the company accidentally released chemicals into the air, forcing several families to leave their homes.
Watching crews demolish the old Diaz Chemical Plant in Holley Monday, is a sight Anita Trupo needed to see.
"These buildings are in terrible condition," says Trupo.
Yet it was difficult to watch. She was one of the ten families relocated after the Diaz chemical release in 2002. Trupo had lived in the neighborhood for 37 years.
"I grew up here, I raised my family here," says Trupo.
The Environmental Protection Agency will work for the next two months destroying what is left of the former pharmaceutical chemical plant. It has already removed all the chemicals, totaling nine thousand drums and ten miles of pipes.
The EPA does not anticipate any future health problems from the site. The agency promises residents it will continue to monitor the area.
"We feel we have been here a long time, we have an open door policy for people to address concerns they may have," says Kevin Matheis, EPA.
Diaz had been in business in Holley for 30 years. It has since gone out of business. Despite the company's problems with the EPA, some residents say Diaz got a bad deal.
"I feel it was blown out of proportion and people lost their jobs over nothing," says Don Requa of Holley.
The goal now is to redevelop the Diaz site. The village is considering several options, including residential and industrial. One idea is to annex the property to Holley's industrial park.
"It's all a matter how proactive we become. We got to get our hands dirty , do a lot of digging, scrubbing and in a way reach out to get things coming in that we want, "says Holley Mayor John Kenney.
The EPA is still trying to get back the money for the cost of the cleanup from Diaz. The total cost to taxpayers so far is nine million dollars. Anita Trupo wants an even bigger payback.
"There needs to be stricter guidelines and inspections with follow up to make sure companies comply with the law," says Trupo.
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