Within the past week, there have been a lot of gripes over the lack of spring weather. But hey, at least the sun is out. What makes nice spring days so pleasant? Environmental issues like smog and deforestation usually are not what cross a college student's mind as he or she is stretched out on the green.
Congressman Wayne Gilchrest, though, does have environmental problems on his mind these days. Gilchrest, whose office is located right in town, is specifically concerned about Millington and the possible effects to Millington of the rubblefill that is to be built nearby it on Unicorn Lake.
Roughly 3 weeks ago, the Elm ran an article on the actions the Student Environmental Alliance were taking on the issue of the possible rubblefill. Tony Caliguri, Chief-of-staff in Congressman Glichrest's office, had suggested that the club still send in the signatures to the state to prevent the placement of the rubblefill. The office has been working along with them to prevent the construction. If the rubblefill is built, it will produce toxic runoff that could harm both the lake itself and the residents of Millington.
Days Cove, the company that would be building the rubblefill, has sued the state. They have purchased the land that would be the site of the rubblefill and are trying to get the zoning passed to allow the process to start. Right now the Congress office has been working with the state on the options that would be presented to Days Cove. The options would be either to prevent the construction or to allow the company to build only under the condition that they meet certain regulations. The office is hoping that the demands would result in the prevention of the construction.
Working on this project inspired Congress Gilchrest to work on new legislation to give state governments control over whether or not other states can deposit their trash within their state borders. Currently, the Federal government decides this. As a result, states have to accept trash from all over the country without question for disposal in landfills and rubblefills. If this change is made, it will be a start to cleaning up other areas. Keep posted for actions that the town of Millington has been doing on the issue of Unicorn Lake.
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