"It's Just Disgusting" Says Widow of Atlantic States Cast Iron Pipe/McWane Victim

While everyone concerned about workplace safety applauds yesterday's indictment of States Cast Iron Pipe officials yesterday, the federal government's action had special meaning for the families of the victims of McWane Corporation, parent company of Atlantic States.

Every time Gloria Peacock hears of a workplace injury at the Atlantic States Cast Iron Pipe Co., she gets angry.

She sees it as proof that not much has changed in the nearly four years since her husband, Sonnie, died at the Phillipsburg plant.


"It's just disgusting," Peacock said.

The Harmony Township widow was pleased Monday upon hearing that the pipe manufacturer and five of its managers face federal charges of violating federal workplace safety laws, obstructing criminal and regulatory investigations and breaking federal clean air and water regulations.

"It's about time somebody went after them," Peacock said. "I don't believe in an eye for an eye, but they should be made accountable for all the things that have happened there."

Sonnie Peacock, 54, died in January 1999. The electrician was hit by a crane as he repaired a conveyor motor on an elevated platform.

Peacock's death was one of two fatal accidents and a spate of less serious incidents that have occurred at the foundry in the last few years.

More on the Atlantic States indictments here and here.