FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 2007
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Senator Rafferty, Senator Dinniman, and Representative Vereb Outraged Over Latest TCE Spill

COLLEGEVILLE - Senator John Rafferty (Montgomery), Senator Andy Dinniman (Chester, Montgomery) and Representative Mike Vereb (Montgomery) are outraged and disturbed over DEP's most recent news of yet another spill of Trichloroethylene (TCE) from the Superior Tube Company.  

Superior Tube's negligence indicates a continual track record of mishandling of Trichloroethylene (TCE) and it is apparent that the facility is unable to prevent the occurrence of environmental incidents. 

"There is an old saying; three strikes and you're out" stated Rafferty. "On my scorecard, this last event was Superior's third strike. It is apparent that Superior is not capable of implementing safe methods of using TCE, and has endangered the surrounding residents, maybe it is time they look to relocate as a business" commented Rafferty after the news of Superior's second spill in the past three months. 

Senator Rafferty has issued four letters to Governor Rendell addressing his growing concerns with TCE. Including a letter sent today reiterating those concerns to the Governor regarding the use of TCE in the greater Collegeville area. 

"Fines don't save lives" stated Rep. Vereb, whose district office is located across the street from the Superior Tube Company. "We have given them (Superior) every opportunity to become a good corporate neighbor, yet they seem content with paying the fines levied by DEP and going on as business as usual." 

"What's particularly outrageous about this TCE spill is that it shows that Superior Tube, even with all that has happened in the last year, still isn't paying enough attention to how it handles TCE," Dinniman said on Thursday.  

"The ultimate solution is my colleagues and I to continue to fight for tougher federal and state laws that significantly decrease or eliminate the amount of TCE that companies can use," Dinniman said. "That will not only clean our air but also significantly lessen the danger from TCE accidents like the one on July 10 and the one on Thursday." 

This past August, Senator Rafferty, Senator Dinniman, and Rep. Vereb issued a joint letter to DEP Secretary McGinty outlining their concerns of the use of TCE in facilities as well as a plan to completely phase out the use of TCE in the Commonwealth. "I stand strong with my fellow colleagues to continue to urge the Governor and Secretary McGinty to take action on this continual problem" added Rep. Vereb. "The Secretary (McGinty) needs to immediately implement the five points the three of us outlined in our letter" stated Rafferty. 
 

CONTACT:

Chuck Mandracchia
(610) 831-8830