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For the love of the Kanawha: Hold Chemours Accountable!
Raise Your Voice Against Environmental Injustice!
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) Division of Waste Water Management has opened a comment period regarding a consent order for Chemours Optima Belle (Chemours), nestled along the scenic Kanawha River in Belle, WV.
The consent order will effectively allow Chemours to discharge excessive amounts of toxic pollutants until DEP reissues their permit. This means Chemours can release ethylbenzene at levels six times higher than the criteria set by EPA!
Why is this important?
Chemours Optima Belle has been granted a consent order that effectively allows them to discharge toxic chemicals that were not included in their permit.
What is ethylbenzene, and why should you be concerned?
Ethylbenzene, a colorless, flammable liquid with a gasoline-like odor, is not only naturally found in coal tar and petroleum but also in everyday products such as inks, pesticides, and paints. Most alarmingly, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that ethylbenzene is a possible human carcinogen, causing tumors in the kidneys, lungs, and liver of animals. Its presence in our waterways poses a significant threat to public health and the environment.
But that's not all.
Chemours Optima Belle's consent order also permits the release of cyclohexane, another hazardous chemical with detrimental health effects. Cyclohexane, used widely as a solvent, paint remover, and in various industrial processes, poses risks ranging from headaches and dizziness to stomach upset and incoordination.
We Cannot Stand Idly By!
DEP's decision to allow Chemours to release excessive amounts of toxic chemicals into our water outside of their permit is unacceptable. Our community's health and the integrity of our environment are at stake. We must speak up and call for accountability from Chemours Optima Belle and the WVDEP.
How Can You Help?
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Submit Your Comments: Fill out the form to contact the WVDEP Division of Waste Water Management to express your concerns about the consent order. Urge DEP to streghten the discharges to protect public health and hold Chemours accountable to the standard process for permitting industrial discharges of toxic pollutants.
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Spread the Word: Share this information with friends, family, and neighbors. Together, we can amplify our voices and effect real change.
Contact the WVDEP Division of Waste Water Management Now!
Let's ensure a safer, healthier future for Belle, WV, and our precious Kanawha River.
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