Shuler backs placing CTS site on Superfund list

Posted on by David Forbes

In a statement today, Rep. Heath Shuler declared his support for placing the contaminated former CTS of Asheville site on the national Superfund list. Shuler praised residents of the area and local activists, stating he’d work for a full cleanup “as quickly and thoroughly as possible.”

After years of complaints by area residents to local, state and federal officials about contamination stemming from the site and leaking into nearby groundwater, the Environmental Protection Agency declared March 8 that it will propose adding the site to the National Priorities List, better known as the Superfund program. Activists and residents have harshly criticized the EPA for what they have viewed as a negligently slow response to the dangers posed by the contamination.

“For the past several years I have been honored to work with the concerned and dedicated residents of this area, led by Tate McQueen and Barry Durand, in their efforts to clean up the former CTS site and ensure the health and safety of the entire community,” Shuler says in his statement. “The community leaders made a strong argument to me that remediation needed to be handled by the EPA, and at their request I have worked with EPA to achieve that designation.”

“I am pleased that the hard work of the community has now paid off and the EPA is proposing the site for the National Priority List, which will provide the authority needed to more fully address important needs still facing the site, especially the treatment of groundwater contamination,” the statement continues. “Without an NPL listing EPA currently does not have the ability to take this and other vital steps needed for cleanup.”

— David Forbes, senior news reporter

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.

3 thoughts on “Shuler backs placing CTS site on Superfund list”

  1. Clyde Rogers

    How do you expect anyone to read your articles? The print is so small you need a microscope to see it.

  3. Ken Hanke

    I agree with the problem about font size. Is there some reason why some articles — and their comments — look like you’re trying to write the Lord’s Prayer on the head of a pin?

    Also, is this grinning headshot of Shuler the only photo on file of the man?

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.