By now you have read the stories of the horrific train derailment in East Palestine, the lack of leadership, accountability and concern for public health. The denials that the derailment and release of hazardous chemicals can affect the residents there, downstream as well as the environment.
Last week Governor Dewine signed HB 364 allowing for the expansion of hazardous waste incineration plants. Read below for more information. The main concern is the facility in Lorain County that has the potential for expansion.
"Aging hazardous waste incineration plants in Ohio that have been barred from expansion for three decades could start growing again under a new policy Republican Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law last week.
Ohio has four such incinerators – large industrial facilities that burn hazardous and toxic chemicals and have been linked to public health risks – but the legislation was written to allow at least one specific facility in Lorain County to apply to the state to expand its operations. This could effectively overturn a 1993 law that imposed a moratorium on new hazardous waste incineration in Ohio, following public outcry after the last facility was built in Columbiana County.
As the clock neared midnight on the second-to-last day of the two-year legislative session, state Sen. Rob McColley, a Republican from Napoleon, added the incinerator expansion proposal as an amendment to a bill originally focused on water and sewer infrastructure.
He said the amendment only applied to one facility and that the bill doesn't guarantee its request will be granted by the director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
Hazardous waste incinerators take in harmful chemical wastes like solvents, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), PFAs (polyfluoroalkyls), and pesticides, and roast them at temperatures ranging from 1,600 to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Only roughly two dozen exist in the U.S. Their critics say the facilities tend to sit in poorer neighborhoods with larger populations of minority groups that bear the brunt of the pollution.
A website for Ross Incineration Services, the Lorain County facility, said it burns liquids ranging from the easiest to the "most complex and hazardous" and solids ranging from rags and paints to "highly toxic, highly reactive, highly odorous, heat sensitive, non-compatible and high-metal waste."
Spokesmen for both the Senate and DeWine said the law would allow the Ross plant to apply to expand. However, a Ross spokesman said the company has no "definitive plans" yet to do so." Continue Reading.
You can take action to help prevent Ross Incineration Services from expanding. Email the Director - Anne Vogel, Assistant Director - Mark Johnson and Business and Regulatory Affairs Deputy Director - Jessica Kuenzli of the Ohio EPA and ask them not to approve any expansions for hazardous waste incinerators in Ohio. For Anne Vogel - email supora.hunter@epa.ohio.gov, for Mark Johnson and Jessica Kuenzli email diane.casteel@epa.ohio.gov.
Need further motivation?
Australian researchers recently reviewed nearly 100 studies of health effects of waste incinerators (not specific to hazardous wastes). Their review identified "significant risks" associated with food contamination and ingestion for both nearby and distant residents to the plants, although on-site workers are the most likely to experience adverse effects.
"Many older incinerators were linked with neoplasia, reproductive issues and other diseases," the researchers wrote. "While the results were not consistent across the literature, based on a precautionary principle there is insufficient evidence to conclude that any incinerator is safe."
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Medical Debt is a uniquely American problem among the so-called "developed world" — and a big one that has been largely neglected by politicians and the media.
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Guardians for Fair Work in ClevelandThank you to everyone who has submitted an application so far to be nominated to the ! We're still seeking applications for the Fair Employment Wage Board (FEWB) to make sure we have as strong a pool of candidates from our coalition as possible.
The FEWB plays a crucial role in enforcing Cleveland's hard-earned wage theft ordinance and other worker protection laws. As a board member, you can make sure that the city of Cleveland honors its promise not to do business with companies that steal from their workers.
This is a great opportunity to support Cleveland workers, and a great opportunity to take a leadership role in your community.
Requirements for FEWB members:
Must be a Cleveland resident
Must not have any contracts, loans, grants, or financial assistance from the City of Cleveland
If you're interested, click here to fill out a quick form. We will be in touch soon with next steps and additional details.
