PDI, employees creating quality product, safely

Regarding the Oct. 12 article, "From family business to industrial operation: Neighbors fight against PDI’s expansion in Naples."

The zoning dispute between Panhandle Door, Inc., and adjacent neighbors, is just that, a zoning dispute. AG/Forestry zoning permits the manufacturing of wood products.

The 168 Pothole Rd property has been utilized as a kitchen door and drawer manufacturer, including a paint shop, for almost 20 years.

In the years since the business changed hands in 2018, Panhandle Door has endeavored to improve and modernize the facility.

The claims that Panhandle Door is polluting the environment and has brought in fill dirt to cover over illegal dumping of hazardous materials is simply false. The state of Idaho permitted 168 Pothole Rd as a dump site for fill dirt. The dirt was brought in by contractors for the state of Idaho.

All the spray booths and paint shop filter systems meet the standards set by the state of Idaho DEQ. All the by-products from the spray booths and paint shop are collected and properly disposed of by Safety-Kleen, a licensed hazardous material disposal company.

Panhandle Door uses untreated hardwoods to create its products. The excess is then turned into mulch and tailing bundles, so they can be utilized by the residents of Boundary County.

Despite the uncertainty of the last few months, the employees of Panhandle Door have continued to show up, doing their best to create a quality product in a safe work environment.

LEAH VANRAY

Naples