$1.50
July 15, 2022 | Vol. 3 Iss. 28
After years of battling, Stericycle incinerator facility finally closes By Becky Ginos becky.g@davisjournal.com NORTH SALT LAKE—It’s been nine years since a group of residents backed by Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment (UPHE) started fighting to close Stericycle, a hospital, medical and infectious waste incinerator facility in North Salt Lake, for emitting toxic air pollution into the community. Last week, the fight finally came to an end as Stericycle was shuttered and will move its operations to Nevada. “This is a celebration of not just Stericycle closing, but the power of citizen involvement, courage and activism,” said Board President of UPHE, Dr. Brian Moench. “In 2012/2013, residents living near the facility contacted us with concerns about what was coming out of the Stericycle smoke stack. We held town halls, met with the governor and the management of healthcare networks. We held protest rallies and marches at the Capitol and in front of the facility. Erin Brockovich flew in from California and led one of our marches.” Please see STERICYCLE: pg. 8
NEWS BREAK Iran enriching uranium up to 20 percent
RESIDENTS IN THE FOXBORO subdivision closest to Stericycle have been leading protests for the last nine years alleging the facility is emitting toxic air pollution. Photo courtesy of UPHE
Legacy Events Center expansion in final design phase
Iran has announced it has begun enriching uranium up to 20 percent using sophisticated centrifuges at its underground Fordo nuclear plant, even during a standoff with the West over its tattered atomic deal. This is considered a technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90 percent, but it deals another blow to the already slim chances of reviving the nuclear accord dismissed during the Trump administration. The International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations’ watchdog, told the Associated Press it had verified that Iran was using a set-up allowing more swift and easy switch between enrichment levels.
Baby formula production resumes Abbott Nutrition says baby formula production at the Michigan plant that was shut down in February over contamination issues has resumed production at the site. It rebooted in early July and Similac production will resume as soon as possible. Abbott is one of just four U.S. companies that produce over 90 percent of U.S. baby formula. The FDA also announced last week that it plans to help overseas makers of infant formula that have sent supplies, under emergency approval to address the shortfall, secure long-term authorization to market their product in the U.S.
New coronavirus mutant raising fears
A RENDERING OF the new 120,000 square foot building on the north end of the Legacy Events Center. By Becky Ginos becky.g@davisjournal.com FARMINGTON—The Legacy Events Center in Farmington has grown from a facility primarily used for horse races and equestrian events to hosting youth sports, trade shows, cheerleading, dance and dog shows. As the use has transitioned over the years, the County Commission has seen a need for more space. The design of a 120,000 square foot building on the north end of the center is underway and expected to be finalized in 2022 with a ground breaking in spring 2023 and completion at the end of 2024. “Method Studio Architect is doing the design,” said Community and Economic Development Director Kent Andersen. “We’ve brought in Layton Construction as CM/GC (Construction Please see EXPANSION: pg. 3
A new variant of the coronavirus, called BA.2.75, might be able to be spread and get around immunity from vaccines and previous infections. That is according to scientists in India where the mutant virus has been gaining ground and spreading rapidly, including into 10 other nations. It is unclear whether it could cause more serious disease than other omicron variants, including the more globally prominent BA.5. Experts say vaccines and boosters are still the best defense against severe COVID-19. Fear is that the increased threat from the variants will become more prominent in the U.S. this fall.
Putin fast-tracking Russian citizenship to Ukrainians
YOUTH SPORTS HAVE BEEN a big draw to the center and officials plan to expand that to include basketball and volleyball. Photo/rendering courtesy of Davis County
Russian president Vladimir Putin has signed a decree expanding the fast-track procedure for Ukrainians to gain Russian citizenship, as his efforts to expand Moscow’s influence on Ukraine continue. The new decree expands Russian citizenship options to the entire country, rather than just to the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, which are now largely under Russian control. As of Tuesday, Ukrainian officials had not publicly reacted to Putin’s announcement.
Tree Trimming, Tree Removal, Stump Grinding, & More Utah’s Leading Experts in Tree Services for Over 50 Years • Tree Maintenance • Stump Removal • Demolition • Landscape • Crane Work • 24/7 Emergency Response
Now HiriNg!
$35K up to $80K! Year Round • FULL Benefits • Bonuses • Overtime Paid Vacations • 401k • Growth Opportunities Call 801-262-1596 or email trent@diamondtreeexperts.com
SERving SALT LAkE, DAviS, AnD WEbER COunTy Certified Arborist On Staff Licensed & Insured
Contact us today at
801-938-4345 DiamondTreeExperts.com
Tree Services
10% OFF Must present coupon at time of estimate. Cannot combine with other offers. Expires 7/31/22.
Plant & Tree Health Care Treatment for bugs & disease
10% OFF Must present coupon at time of estimate. Cannot combine with other offers. Expires 7/31/22.
Mulch Products
Control weeds - Improve soil - Retain moisture
10% OFF Must present coupon at time of estimate. Cannot combine with other offers. Expires 7/31/22.