Norlite is temporarily shutting down operations at their Cohoes facility.

This comes as the Department of Environmental Conservation has been battling the company over dust produced by its hazardous waste incinerator.

Cohoes Mayor Bill Keeler hopes a short-term shutdown will have a long-term benefit.

“With respect for furloughs, that’s unfortunate, but hopefully it’s just a temporary shutdown,” said Keeler. “The company is going to take an opportunity during the shutdown to address some of the longstanding environmental issues. Specifically, they’re going to reduce the height of the shale piles, which have been a source of complaints for decades, and also they’re going to take the opportunity to inspect two of the kiln.”

Norlite was founded in 1956.