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Stand Up Against Weakened Protections for Aboveground Storage Tanks!
In 2014, these tanks leaked toxic chemicals into the Elk River, leaving 300,000 West Virginians without safe water. Now, lawmakers are considering rolling back the protections put in place to prevent this from happening again. Say NO to SB 592 — protect our water!
Protect West Virginia's Drinking Water - Oppose SB 592
On January 9, 2014, over 7,500 gallons of crude 4-Methylcyclohexanemethanol (MCHM) leaked from an Above-ground Storage Tank (AST) at Freedom Industries into the Elk River, contaminating the drinking water supply for over 300,000 West Virginians.
People fell ill, businesses shut down, and families were left without safe water for days.
This crisis led to the unanimous passage of the AST Act during the 2014 Legislative Session, ensuring stricter oversight of aboveground storage tanks near water sources.
Eleven years later, lawmakers are considering rolling back these vital protections, despite the painful lessons learned in 2014.
Why SB 592 is Dangerous:
- Weaker Inspections: SB 592 removes the requirement for certified inspectors to assess oil and gas waste tanks, increasing the risk of unnoticed leaks.
- Delayed Leak Detection: The bill eliminates internal inspections until chemicals breach secondary containment, allowing contamination to spread before action is taken.
- Threats to Public Health: Over 700 oil and gas waste tanks in critical drinking water protection areas could endanger drinking water for communities across 39 counties.
- Special Treatment for Industry: Other industries comply with the AST Act. The oil and gas industry should not get a free pass to endanger our water.
Take Action for Clean Water Protections Now!
Tell your 2 State Senators to protect our water by opposing SB 592. Use our sample comment letter below or personalize your message to make a greater impact.
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