The Philip Services Corp. waste treatment plant on Ga. Highway 92 shut down Friday by Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) is back open.

The plant was temporarily shut down due to violations found last week during an EPD multi-media inspection. A required provision of the permit suspension gave PSC the option of appealing the suspension. PSC took that option, EPD Assistant Director Jim Ussery said earlier today.

The appeal effectively halts the suspension, allowing the company to resume operations. PSC can continue to operate the waste treatment plant until an administrative law judge reviews the matter and renders a decision, Ussery said. EPD has requested an early hearing date to expedite the matter, he added.

PSC Vice President for Environmental Affiars Morris Azose acknowledged during a July 19 public meeting that nearby north Fayette and south Fulton communities had been affected by the odor of propyl mercaptan emanating from the plant. PSC initially offered to assist residents with related medical expenses. The company apparently withdrew that offer after a class-action lawsuit was filed days later.

To date, more than 250 residents of north Fayette and south Fulton counties have reported symptoms and illnesses listed on material safety data sheets as the result of being exposed to propyl mercaptan, a chemical odorant added to the pesticide MOCAP.