Norlite re-evaluates future in Cohoes
COHOES, N.Y. (NEWS10) – A controversial facility in Cohoes has furloughed more than two dozen staff members. Norlite processes shale to produce a porous ceramic material and it has faced increased scrutiny over environmental concerns the last few years.
Norlite made the layoff announcement Monday as the company said it re-evaluates its operation in Cohoes.
According to a statement from the company, Norlite is temporarily shutting down its core operations while it looks to reduce its inventory and repair equipment.
“Norlite has really been under the microscope for the past four years like never before in their 60 year history,” said Cohoes Mayor William Keeler.
He said residents have complained about Norlite for decades, and the departments of environmental conservation and health have placed the company under more scrutiny since he took office.
“My goal for the past four years has been to make Norlite a better neighbor, and in that regard, they have taken significant steps over the past four years to do just that,” said Keeler.
The DEC has cracked down on the company, mainly over air quality concerns from blowing dust. Mark Belokopitsky lives across the street from Norlite and said he knows a handful of people in the neighborhood who have breathing issues.
“I haven’t really noticed it in myself but I do have family that lives down the road and my sister-in-law had lung issues and she passed away a couple of years ago,” said Belokopitsky.
In a statement Norlite addressed those concerns and said a “…report investigated, drafted and completed by the state Department of Health that shows no evidence of any health concerns from operations at Norlite.”
Keeler echoed that statement, saying there’s been no damning evidence tying Norlite directly to health problems in the area.
News of Norlite shutting down temporarily and re-evaluating the scope of its operations has some Cohoes residents worried.
The company has sponsored activities for seniors in the area. Gail Williams and Shiela Sunkes live in a senior apartment building and they’ve grown fond of the company’s community outreach.
“Norlite has been really great to us here. They’re doing a lot for Cohoes and for the different senior buildings which I think is great,” said Sunkes.
Williams was concerned the furloughs and re-evaluation could potentially result in the company leaving the area.
“Well, that would be the end of our support system, one of our support systems,” said Williams.
In the meantime, the company thanked its 28 “…dedicated employees who may be forced to find other work during this temporary shutdown, and we look forward to bringing them back to the facility in the near future.”