"Good neighbor" Mallinckrodt, the company responsible for the former Holtrachem plant site in Orrington, has announced they will be fighting the Maine DEP's order to remove tons of mercury-contaminated soil from the area.

Mallinckrodt argues that it would be easier and safer to attempt to contain the contaminants on-site, a plan the DEP has rejected.

Littell said leaving the contaminated soils in the five landfills — which encompass more than 120,000 square feet — was not an option because of the contamination’s proximity to nearby residences and the river. The department also wanted to make sure local residents and the environment are protected well into the future, regardless of Mallinckrodt’s status as a company, he said.