PERU – Residents have a chance on Thursday to ask questions and make comments on plans to clean-up the former Diamond Match property.

The public hearing, required by the federal Environmental Protection Agency as part of a grant application, takes place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Peru Town Office.

The River Valley Growth Council is seeking $200,000 in federal money to help clean up the 160,000-square-foot industrial site.

The Growth Council expects to receive ownership of the 70-year-old building sometime within the next couple of week’s from Archie’s Inc. The grant application is due at the agency by Dec. 4.

Scott Christiansen, the Growth Council’s developer, said the site at the end of the Mexico-Peru Bridge has been virtually empty for five years. Diamond Match moved out about 15 years ago. Portions of the sprawling site have been used by Archie’s and a logging company.

A survey conducted earlier in the year showed the presence of chemicals and other hazardous materials, including barrels of solvents and oils, old machinery and asbestos.

He said the cleanup will

likely cost more than the $200,000, but that figure will complete enough of the clean-up to allow the Growth Council to go after additional money that would be used to redevelop the main complex.

The Peru site is one of four in the River Valley that is slated to become a part of a Pine Tree Zone, an area designated for economic development by offering a variety of tax breaks administered by the state.

“If anyone has concerns or questions related to this building, this is their opportunity,” said Christiansen.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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