Remember Electro-Sonics?
Yeah, neither do I. From 1966 to 1984, it built printed circuit boards in the small New Hampshire town of Spofford.
But even though most of us entered the industry after Electro-Sonics exited it, we are living with its remnants.
That's because the town, state and federal governments combined have yet to resolve the environmental mess the company left behind. And while few of us must deal directly with the residual contamination, stories like these continue to shape the perspectives of those charged with permitting new board shops, to say nothing of the local residents who insist "not in my backyard." Each time I see a story like this, I'm reminded why this once thriving region is down to a small handful of board shops.
Spofford estimates the final cleanup will cost another $1.5 million, which in this era of budget pressure and reduced environmental spending is a lot for a small town to swallow.
At least it's only money. Given the wells near the old plant still need filtration, coughing up the green may be easier than downing the water.
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