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Environmental Groups File Suit Against Bradford Dyeing

Posted on: Friday, 26 August 2005, 18:00 CDT

WESTERLY - Three environmental groups filed a lawsuit yesterday against Bradford Dyeing Association, charging that the company has violated federal environmental laws by emitting foul odors and dumping illegal amounts of pollutants into the Pawcatuck River.

The Rhode Island Public Interest Research Group, the regional Toxics Action Center and the Rhode Island chapter of the national Sierra Club filed the suit in U.S. District Court in Providence.

Two months ago, the groups gave the textile mill notice of their intent to sue and 60 days to address the complaint. Besides brief conversations between lawyers on both sides, RIPIRG advocate Matt Auten said, the groups have received no meaningful response from the company.

"Nothing has changed in the past 60 days," Auten said. "Litigation is really our last avenue."

The purpose of the lawsuit, Auten said, is to enforce the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act, which Bradford Dye has violated on numerous occasions over the years.

Under both acts, citizens can seek a court order requiring compliance with the law and a monetary penalty of up to $32,500 per day for each violation. However, the money would go to federal coffers, not to the environmental groups or citizens who filed the suit, Auten said.

Spokesman Gregg Perry said the company is in compliance with all regulations and has conveyed that message to the groups Located on Bradford Road (Route 91), the company employs about 300 people -- most of them local residents -- and finishes textiles for government and military agencies.

"This action is unnecessary, and the allegations unwarranted," Perry said. "The company will defend itself against these allegations vigorously."

The state Department of Environmental Management has "no issues of non-compliance" with the company, said agency spokeswoman Gail Mastrati.

According to the lawsuit, the company emits about one million pounds of pollutants into the air each year. The suit lists some of the pollutants, including lead, nickel, acetic acid, acetone, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitric oxide.

Over the years, residents living nearby have complained about the smell and attributed it to some of their respiratory and other health problems

The suit also alleges that the company has discharged illegal levels of copper into the Pawcatuck river for the last 23 months. The company has also exceeded the level of fecal coliform bacteria and other substances in its wastewater discharge allowed by its permit, the suit stated.

The Pawcatuck River downstream of the Bradford Dye factory is on the state's list of impaired water bodies because of biodiversity problems.

"Some of the pollutants discharged to the river by [Bradford Dye Association] can have adverse effects on fish and other aquatic life," the suit said.

Perry maintains the company "operates its industrial facility with a commitment to the highest environmental standards." In the last 10 years, it has invested more than $2 million to upgrade its wastewater treatment and air emissions control systems and spends more than $250,000 annually to maintain the wastewater treatment system.

"If we identify any shortcomings, we move quickly to resolve any issues that arise," Perry said.

Source: Providence Journal

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