From our partners at WV Rivers Coalition

We are writing to bring your attention to critical public health concerns surrounding the Specialty Products US, LLC facility in Dunbar, WV.

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s (WV DEP) Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is currently accepting public comments for Specialty Product’s draft Title V operating permit renewal for the operation of its polyethylene oxide manufacturing unit.

Ethylene oxide is a very hazardous substance that causes cancer and mutations and is highly explosive. We encourage you to attend the informational meeting on Monday to show your concern and learn how the WV DEP plans to reduce emissions of this harmful air pollutant.

Details from the WV DEP:

• In-Person Public Meeting: Monday, March 11, from 6 to 8 pm at James C. Wilson University Union ballroom, West Virginia State University.
• Virtual Public Hearing: Tuesday, March 19, at 6 pm. Please complete the registration form here to register for the virtual public hearing.
• Email Comments: Send comments to Nikki B. Moats at Nikki.B.Moats@wv.gov with “Specialty Products US, LLC comments” in the subject line.
• Written Comments: Accepted until 5 pm on Friday, March 29. Mail to Sandra Adkins at the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Air Quality, 601 57th Street SE, Charleston, WV, 25304.
• If you need assistance or wish to provide comments by phone: contact Sandie Adkins or Nicole Ernest at (304) 926-0475 by 4 pm on the day of the public hearing.

WV Rivers is still reviewing the permit and plans to attend the public hearing to learn more. Be on the lookout for more information and an easy way to submit comments prior to the deadline. In the meantime, here are some of their initial concerns:

1. Several facilities in the Kanawha Valley emit Ethylene Oxide (EtO). DEP must look at cumulative emissions and drastically reduce emissions to protect public health.
2. DEP must require air monitoring and reporting to protect impacted fenceline communities and ensure compliance with permit requirements.
3. DEP must communicate the methods and results of air monitoring in a transparent and accessible way to community members.

Your participation is crucial in protecting public health. Together, we can make a difference in safeguarding our communities.

More soon,
West Virginia Rivers Coalition