Stanly County Commissioners Reject New Alcoa Settlement Offer

The Stanly County Commissioners today failed to reach an agreement with Alcoa to resolve issues surrounding the Yadkin Project relicensing. The decision follows recent settlement discussions initiated by Stanly County. Alcoa will keep the new offer on the table until midnight on June 28.

“Commissioners Josh Morton and Gene McIntyre asked us to put together a new proposal that specifically addressed water and water infrastructure,” said Kevin Anton, Alcoa’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “We did exactly that with this proposal.” 

Anton added, “The offer we have extended to the Commissioners is valid through June 28, so we are hopeful that the citizens of Stanly County will reach out to the Commissioners and make their views known.”

The deal, which received yes votes by Commissioners Morton and McIntyre, supports the county’s efforts to access more water from the Yadkin Project; provide a $5 million contribution to support water infrastructure projects; and also include a $2.5 million payment to be dispersed over the next 10 years. In addition, Alcoa is committing to the continued implementation of a series of environmental measures to improve water quality, and both sides would drop current lawsuits. 

“We believe that Alcoa is the best operator for the Yadkin Project, and we will continue our efforts to renew our license,” Anton said. “We would like to thank Representative Justin Burr for his efforts to help mediate a settlement between the two parties. Despite today's vote, we believe our differences can be resolved through continued open and honest dialogue.”

Alcoa began the relicensing process in 2002, working closely with stakeholder organizations to develop a relicensing settlement agreement that includes environmental protections, recreational enhancements and a host of other community benefits. The relicensing benefits will be implemented once Alcoa receives a new federal license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. 

ERI Moves Into New, Expanded Facility at Badin Business Park

ERI has begun operations at its expanded facility in Badin.

Electronic Recyclers International, the nation's largest recycler of electronic waste, has moved into a new, larger facility at Badin Business Park. The company received its first shipment of electronic waste at the new facility earlier this month. 

ERI and Alcoa invested $10 million to renovate the 165,000 SF facility to accommodate ERI's needs. The company had been operating its Southeast regional recycling center in a temporary space since locating in Badin in July 2011. The expanded facility will allow ERI to increase its recycling volume and grow its workforce. The company will employ up to 200 people in Badin. 

ERI operates seven recycling centers across the country. 

Public meeting will discuss Badin Lake Sediment Remediation Project

Representatives from Alcoa, the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the US Environmental Protection Agency are participating in a public meeting Tuesday night to discuss and explain a planned remediation project at Badin Lake. The meeting begins at 6:00 pm at the Badin Inn in Badin, NC.

As part of its ongoing commitment to protect the environment, Alcoa has developed plans to cap sediments in Badin Lake near the former Badin Works plant site. The sediments have been closely monitored for decades and do not post a risk to the environment or people who use Badin Lake. Capping the sediments is a precaution that will stabilize the sediments and eliminate the possibility that the sediments could be disturbed in the future.

The public meeting will allow citizens to learn about the capping project and other ongoing remediation activities. The meeting will include information sessions on redevelopment and other topics of interest to the Badin community.