05/08/08

BOISE, Idaho (AP) _ Boise-based American Ecology Corporation
brought in 800,000 tons of industrial hazardous waste from 37
states for disposal in southwest Idaho last year.

The company also owns hazardous waste disposal sites in Nevada,
Texas and Washington.

Last year it reported $165.5 million in revenue and a gross
profit of $45.5 million.

Company officials say the more the company makes, the more Idaho
benefits.

A 2006 economic impact analysis found American Ecology's annual
economic contribution in Idaho is $51 million in taxes, payroll and
direct and indirect spending.

Andrea Shipley is director of the Boise-based Snake River
Alliance, a nuclear watchdog group.

She says the risks of bringing in hazardous waste to the state
outweigh financial benefits to the state.

The company is currently in the process of shipping about 6,700
tons of sand containing traces of depleted uranium and lead from
Kuwait.
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(Idaho Statesman)

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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