Ruppersberger Applauds Army's Move NOT to Build An Asbestos Disposal Plant at Aberdeen Proving Ground
Ruppersberger Vigorously Opposed Plan

(Washington, D.C.)-  Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) applauds the Army's decision NOT to build an asbestos disposal plant at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) in Harford County. Congressman Ruppersberger vigorously opposed the proposal after dozens of local residents contacted him about health and safety concerns. Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was used in a variety of insulation and building products. If inhaled, it can cause cancer and other lung diseases. The Congressman sent several letters to the Secretary of the Army asking him to scrap the plan. Congressman Ruppersberger also worked with local government and community leaders to express strong opposition to the proposal.

"I am pleased that the Army listened to our concerns. An asbestos disposal plant has no place in the middle of Harford County where thousands of families live. I believe this process should be completed in a less populated area," said Congressman Ruppersberger.

The Army planned to collect tons of asbestos from military installations from surrounding states, from New York to Virginia, and transport it to APG for disposal. Many residents expressed concerns about the transportation of the toxic material on local roadways and the possibility of asbestos seeping into the air.

"My neighbors and I attended dozens of meetings expressing our opposition to putting an asbestos disposal plant in our backyards. We are thrilled that our hard work paid off and the plan has been scrapped. The Army listened to us, to 'We the People', instead of siding with big business. We couldn't be happier," said Carolyn Hicks, a Harford County resident.

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