An investigation by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection has revealed widespread violations of environmental laws at a Belfast strip mine. Following the state enforcement action, MBNA Corporation issued a statement that it would no longer use sand and gravel from that site for its sprawling coastal development projects.
Negotiations are presently under way between state officials and the strip miner.
With the illegal operation to supply sand and gravel to MBNA apparently going on for more than a year, Laite faces roughly 8 million dollars in fines. MBNA's strip miner has illegally destroyed irreplaceable coastal forests and wildlife habitats. According to sources in the mining industry, MBNA's top officials knew they were buying illegally mined gravel but chose to look the other way. Both MBNA and its suppliers need to learn that environmental crime does not pay.