Rally calls for denial of permit renewals, closure of Norlite facility
ALBANY, NY (WRGB) — Saturday dozens of Capital Region organizations joined concerned residents for a rally at the governor's mansion.
They're calling on Gov. Hochul to direct the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation to deny Norlite's permit renewals and close the facility in Cohoes.
About 300 people showed up Saturday.
MORE: Cohoes mayor responds to essay from Norlite parent company
Earlier this month biochemist and cancer researcher Chris Sevinsky presented information at the Saratoga Sites public housing complex located near the Norlite facility.
He said those living within miles of the hazardous waste incinerator have an increased risk of respiratory cancers.
Tasheca Medina, founder of Equality for Troy, said, “Our children have been breathing and playing in this fugitive dust for decades.”
On March 10th, Norlite was issued a notice of violation by the DEC, and was instructed to both suspend activity and implement an interim plan for dust control.
MORE: DEC orders Norlite facility in City of Cohoes to Immediately cease from activities
Sevinsky told CBS 6 there's no indication Norlite has taken these measures.
Norlite claims it has made efforts to mitigate the spread of dust.
