After many years of unsuccessful attempts to find an end use or customer for this material, Borax decided to close the site in accordance with local regulations, as well as its commitment to sustainable development. The company developed a closure plan, consulted with community members, and received approval to proceed from the French Environmental Agency, the DRIRE. Construction has begun, and closure may take up to four years.

Borax consulted local community leaders before closure plans were finalized. Community members expressed their preference to limit and reduce the height of the berms - or earthen walls - surrounding this site so that landmarks remain visible from the adjacent motorway. Another request was to retain the option to use the property for a proposed greenbelt project, for possible development of bikeway access, parkland or playing fields.

In reviewing initial project plans, DRIRE officials favored the design alternative that offered the greatest environmental protection. Three alternatives for the site represented investments ranging up to €8,000,000. Each of these alternatives would have met government regulations, but would not have met the full range of requirements expressed by community stakeholders.

Borax, along with its design consultant, evaluated the alternatives in light of community concerns and preferences. Borax reviewed the options to optimize the design as well as its cost. This team effort resulted in design that safeguards the environment, meets the communities' short- and long-term requests, and offers the most cost-effective option, estimated at €4,470,000.

Trade-offs made in the design process were to reduce the height of the berms, but not eliminate them completely; to minimize earthmoving to reduce risks of environmental and health effects associated with dust during construction; and to create a system to separate clean run-off water from contaminated to reduce potential treatment costs. The final design, balancing social, environmental and economic aspects, were approved by DRIRE; one of Borax's best examples of the return on our investment in sustainable development.