Utah State Senator Todd Weiler (R)is working on legislation that would ban the burning of medical waste in the state.
Utah suffered from some of the country’s worst air and some people in North Salt Lake say the main offender in their area is a medical incinerator run byStericycle.
EnviroNews, an online environmental news agency, recently released a video showing a black cloud of smoke coming from Stericycle.
“It is horrendous,” said Sen. Weiler. “This is, in the defense of Stericycle, this is a by-pass event. It is basically an emergency event, so I want your viewers to know, it is not like this every day, but they admit they do this about six times a year.”
Weiler said the company maintains open communication with him and other city and state officials.
"I met with them two hours ago. I met with them in June. I’ve toured their facility. I communicate with them regularly. They texted me within 15 minutes of this incident and told me what was going on,” said Weiler. "They have been very good at communicating with me."
FOX 13 has been unable to reach Stericycle for comment, despite several attempts.
Weiler said he is working with other Republicans and is confident the bill will pass.
"I think just the threat of running the bill has brought Stericycle to the table. They met with the city of Salt Lake today. They are talking, they are looking at avenues of things they could do maybe relocate, I don't know what is going to happen," Weiler said.