Controversy over PCBs at Veolia could fade away

The controversy that once seemed so intense over incinerating PCBs from Mexico at a Port Arthur facility could quietly fade away. Veolia Environmental Services may cancel its proposal to take in those PCBs because of the "current economic climate" and unspecified uncertainties about getting the material from Mexico.

If Veolia makes that decision for business reasons, that's fine. But at least Veolia wasn't forced into making this move because of unscientific fears or pressure.

Veolia operates a toxic waste incinerator, so virtually all of the materials it handles need special treatment. Its Port Arthur facility is one of only three in the country authorized to dispose of PCBs.

Veolia already incinerates as much as 15,000 tons of PCBs from the United States. Toxic wastes have to be disposed of somewhere.

If facilities like Veolia can do the job safely, they should be allowed to handle shipments like this.