New technical advisor hired for CTS of Asheville

Press Release

POWER

Asheville, NC Frank Anastasi is the new professional Technical Advisor hired by grassroots community group POWER (Protecting Our Water and Environmental Resources). Anastasi will provide guidance during remediation of the CTS Superfund Site in South Asheville.

In March 2012 CTS of Asheville, a former electroplating facility, was added to the EPA’s National Priorities List (NPL). The carcinogen trichloroethylene (TCE) has been found at high levels on and near the former facility. POWER recently received a $50,000.00 Technical Assistance Grant to employ a consultant.

Anastasi is an independent hydrogeologist and environmental consultant with over 30 years experience in contaminated site investigations and remediation projects.

“Proven technologies are available to address the problems at the CTS site,” Anastasi said, “I look forward to helping POWER and the community advocate for taking effective remedial action as soon as possible.”

Anastasi has worked on Superfund sites since 1985. In the late 1980s, he began supporting citizen groups concerned about contamination in their communities.

“We are excited to have Frank on board,” said Lee Ann Smith, chair of POWER. “Frank’s broad experience working across the full spectrum of hazardous waste site cleanups, coupled with his deep technical knowledge and understanding of the Superfund process, will strengthen POWER’s ability to have the community’s concerns addressed.”

Melody Markert, a local resident who helped choose the technical advisor, commented that during the interview Anastasi seemed knowledgeable, caring, and understanding of the issues. “He has a good concept of what we are wanting to accomplish and how to go about resolving the problems in a manner that will best serve our children, families, neighbors, and the community of Asheville, now and in the future,” Markert said.

Anastasi believes that education is an important component of contaminated site cleanup efforts. “I help local citizens understand the reality of their situation. Regardless of how thorough, no remedial action is complete unless concerned members of the community understand what has happened,” Anastasi said. “The community has to live with the legacy of having a Superfund site for a neighbor, long after the dust settles and EPA, the polluters, and all their lawyers and contractors have left town.”

For more information, contact Lee Ann Smith, POWER Action Group chair at 828-775-5020, upthishill@bellsouth.net or visit http://POWERactiongroup.org/.