Good riddance to EQ

The Environmental Quality Co., the hazardous waste handling operation whose Apex, N.C. warehouse exploded into flames last October and exposed the surrounding community to dangerous toxins, has reached an agreement with state regulators that will void its permit to operate in North Carolina, the News & Observer reports.

The company has agreed to pay $441,944 for five violations of state hazardous waste regulations discovered during the investigation into the explosion -- less than the $553,225 fine the state initially imposed in March, according to the paper. State regulators found that the company had failed to report incidents involving chemical reactions, fires and waste releases.

Immediately after the fire, local residents complained that the smoke made their faces burn and itch, and said the fumes irritated their throats and gave them headaches. Even today, some residents report lingering health problems, with one woman recently telling the N&O that that her allergies have worsened since the incident.