The bill, which previously passed the House and now goes to Gov. M. Jodi Rell for final action, would help Stratford neighborhoods that are battling the EPA over former asbestos-tainted sites scattered throughout the town by Raymark Industries.

"Basically it's going to prohibit the EPA from consolidating the Raymark waste in or next to residential neighborhoods, which is what they originally proposed last August," said Sen. Dan Debicella, R-Shelton, whose district includes Stratford. "It's something we've been working on with the residents for months," Rep. John A. Harkins, R-Stratford, said in an interview Tuesday night. "If you ask anyone about toxic waste in a neighborhood, most people think it's a bad thing. It's common sense."

Harkins said the state Department of Environmental Protection has sent mixed signals about the legislation, but it's the kind of help the town needs. Under the legislation, Ansonia, Bridgeport, Derby, Stamford, Danbury, Fairfield, Norwalk and Shelton would be included in the bill.

It would affect areas containing 1,000 cubic yards of soil containing asbestos greater than one percent by weight. The Senate approved the legislation Monday night.

The EPA is considering its options, but the legislation would limit the agency to either cap the waste in place — under two feet of fill or more — or transfer the waste to a certified disposal area. Waiving the regulation would require a two-thirds vote of the Town Council. Hazardous waste deposited during Raymark's 70 years on East Main Street includes lead, PCBs and dioxins created by the former clutch and brake factory.

The EPA estimates more than 100,000 cubic yards, about 5,500 dump truck loads of toxic waste, would be moved from about 20 scattered sites and consolidated in as many as three sites on the south side of town. About $21 million has been budgeted for the project.

Ken Dixon

The Connecticut Post 05/06/2008