The DNR wants to continue the PCB project in the Fox River
By: Donald Robinson
Updated: April 13, 2012
DE PERE, Wis (WFRV) - Appleton Papers says they have done their fair share in the dredging of the Fox River and they want other plant's to pitch in. Because of that, the dredging process has been brought to a grinding halt.
Back in the early 1970's, the DNR exposed the dangerous chemicals paper mill companies were dumping into the river. Forty years later, efforts to clean up the PCB's were being made by several paper companies including NCR Corp and Appleton Papers.
On Thursday, a federal judge ruled that Appleton Papers is no longer federally liable. However, it remains contractually responsible for 60-percent of the costs.That's a result of Appleton Papers' connection to the factories former owner NCR. A purchase agreement from 1978 requires Appleton Papers to assume the expenses associated with environmental violations.
The DNR is ready to resume the dredging and is in court trying to get more money to complete the program by 2017.
