We encourage you to attend this important public meeting to learn more about Ethylene Oxide (EtO) emissions. It will be an open-house format where you will need to be prepared to ask questions.

Why is this important: The emissions created by the chemical plants in Institute and South Charleston caused the Kanawha Valley to rank 10th out of 25 high-priority counties across the nation. At the South Charleston plant, the amount of EtO emitted tripled between 2009-2019. It is not only a carcinogen but a mutagen, meaning that it can change DNA in children. 

Some history: Institute and South Charleston plants requested time to recalculate emissions data using site-specific meteorological data. US EPA Region 3 continued to meet with WV DEP on air modeling and risk exposure modeling. WV DEP has met with WV DHHR to discuss health risks and requested additional site-specific information from the Institute facility. WV DEP is planning to compare the results of the monitors set up on the fences near the plants to the computer models. This meeting is so they can update the public about progress on their monitoring work as well as future plans to monitor Ethylene Oxide and protect the public. 

Where/When: Saturday, March 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dunbar Recreation Center, located at 2601 Fairlawn Avenue in Dunbar. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m.

Who: Staff from different sections within the WVDEP’s Division of Air Quality will be present, along with staff from the State Department of Health and Human Resources’ Bureau for Public Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What: A brief introduction and overview will be given to start the forum and then citizens will have the opportunity to meet with WVDEP staff and ask questions. A second introduction and overview will be given around 12:30 p.m.

This format is intended to be casual and informal and give citizens the opportunity to meet with WVDEP staff one-on-one and allow for instant feedback.

More information: WV DEP’s EtO webpage, Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/depwv) and Twitter (@DEPWV) accounts, and public notice listserv or call 304-926-0475 or email DEP.Comments@wv.gov.