Live on URTV: Mills Gap residents on CTS contamination

The former CTS plant on Mills Gap Road is receiving increased attention as neighboring residents clamor for a swift cleanup of the hazardous-waste site. Factory operations, which came to a halt in 1986, left behind a harmful chemical solvent called trichloroethylene, which is now leaching into groundwater and nearby flowing streams. Recent testing showed that contamination levels have not significantly improved despite years of Environmental Protection Agency involvement.

This evening, on URTV Channel 20, residents of the neighboring Southside Village subdivision will share experiences and voice concerns about the impact the site could have on public health. Weaverville resident Don Yelton will host the show, which airs live from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23.

On Wednesday, Oct. 24, area residents will meet at the Skyland Fire Department to explore their legal options. An environmental attorney from Madison County has agreed to take the case on a contingency basis.

And Buncombe County Commissioners announced today that they will attend an information session with representatives of the EPA, the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources and County Environmental Health to discuss health, safety and environmental issues surrounding the old CTS plant. The meeting will be held at the Skyland Fire Department on Monday, Oct. 29, at 6:30 p.m.  The community is encouraged to attend.

The EPA and DENR, meanwhile, are also responding to residents’ concerns. Agencies will conduct well-water tests and launch a health consultation in coming weeks to assess the possible health risk posed by the groundwater contamination.

— Rebecca Bowe, contributing editor

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

One thought on “Live on URTV: Mills Gap residents on CTS contamination

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.