Graham, NC -- Alamance County Commissioners voted down a resolution to pressure a Triad waste company to clean up its act sooner.
Some residents demanded Stericycle meet new EPA guidelines in 2012 instead of 2014, the federal deadline.
Sue Dayton with the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League joined with more than a dozen residents in calling for Stericycle to meet tougher standards for air pollutants sooner. Others worried the pollution could have harmful effects on children and adults.
Heather Bjork told WFMY News 2 if nothing changes, she'll consider moving her family of four away from Alamance County.
A spokeswoman for Stericycle, Selin Hoboy, presented to commissioners and listeners. She said the plant disposes of needles, gowns, blood waste, and other plastics.
"I don't think this business is getting a fair shake," said Vick Euliss, a city councilman of Graham, who spoke publicly with county commissioners.
Chairwoman Linda Massey agreed. "I'm for clean air," she noted, but said the commission needed to be fair, and allow Stericycle four years to meet new regulations.
Hoboy said the Haw River plant is in compliance with pollution guidelines established in 1997, but that the company has been out of compliance in the past.
WFMY News 2