New York Fines Hazardous Waste Company for Water and Air Pollution

Cohoes, NYState officials have levied more than $90,000 in fines for hazardous waste incineration company Norlite for violations of water and air pollution laws.

span itemprop="image" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/ImageObject" style="display:block">Norlite, the state's sole commercial hazardous waste incinerator, also faces another $35,000 fine from the State Department of Environmental Conservation for an environmental project meant to improve the quality of life for the community surrounding the company's facility near Route 32.

The fines were issued after state inspectors made a surprise appearance at the company's upstate headquarters and found insufficient environmental protection in both the burning and disposal of hazardous materials. In all, the company received 62 separate citations under the US Clean Air Act that may date as far back as 2008.

"Because Norlite's plant is in an urban setting, it is critical that the company adheres to the stringent requirements DEC has in place to protect the public and the environment," Regional DEC Director Gene Kelly told the Times Union.

Norlite is one of only two kilns in the country that create construction materials by burning hazardous materials.