Letter to Malec Brothers regarding the use of Methyl Bromide near the Brunswick County line

May 14, 2018: Below is the text of a letter I emailed to Malec Brothers this afternoon: (click here to view as a PDF)

David Smith, Head of Procurement
Malec Brothers

Dear Mr. Smith,

As a point of introduction, I represent District 5 on the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners. District 5 covers northeastern Brunswick County and includes areas that border Columbus County within a stone’s throw of your proposed Delco operation that would include the use of Methyl Bromide. While I do not generally stick my nose into the business of other Counties, the proposed operation’s proximity to the Brunswick County line and my constituents in that area, as well as the inquiries and comments I have received from those constituents, compel me to send this letter.

First, I admit that I was unfamiliar with Methyl Bromide prior to the recent media coverage of this issue. Since this story broke, I have researched the issue and spoken with several people who have dealt with Methyl Bromide in their professional capacities.

Second, you should know that I generally support economic development and expansion in southeastern North Carolina, and that I support efforts to reduce unnecessarily burdensome government regulations. However, the benefits of any proposed project must outweigh the likely adverse impacts and perceptions created by that project.

With that said, I strongly encourage your company to seek an alternative treatment method that does not include the use of Methyl Bromide.