I am an operating supervisor at HoltraChem Manufacturing Co. Before coming here, I was a high school biology teacher. I’m a Maine native, an outdoorsman, and am as concerned about our environment as anyone. I certainly would not have stayed at this plant for 25 years if I thought our process was unsafe.

Legislation on mercury will be forthcoming. It seems directed at HoltraChem, but may have far-reching effects on many industries including hospitals, waste mangement facilities, power plants and paper companies, all of which emit mercury to the air or water. Our jobs are at stake, but hundreds of other jobs will be affected and millions of dolalrs lost by companies, the state and surrounding communities if this legislation is not dealt with logically and fairly.

We are serious about our commitment to the state and a safe environment. We are intensifying training programs for our employees. We are spending millions of dollars improving our facility and are installing state-of-the-art equipment to deal with environmental concerns. We have hired outside consultants and engineering professionals to evaluate and improve our people and process. We are working hard to gain the trust of surrounding communities and the people of Maine. Gordon E. Engstrom Dover-Foxcroft