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EYEWITNESS LOCAL NEWS
CHEMICAL CONCERNSfrom Eyewitness News Online Research Council Talks Chemical Concerns With Residents Reported by:  Kristin KeelingWeb Producer: Kristin Keeling Reported: Jun. 23, 2012 4:56 PM EDT Updated: Jun. 23, 2012 5:15 PM EDT
Institute
, Kanawha County
, West Virginia
The Bayer CropScience Chemical Plant in Institute is continuing to cause concerns in the communities surrounding the plant. In 2008, an explosion at the Bayer CropScience Chemical Plant killed two employees. A 40,000 pound storage tank of the deadly chemical Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) was stored just 80 feet away from the explosion. Following the explosion and an ensuing legal battle, Bayer announced they will no longer produce or use MIC. It's a decision which eliminated 220 jobs. But many in the community say they still have concerns. On Saturday, the National Research Council met with neighbors who continue to push for a change. "They have got to stop looking at the amount of people who can be employed in any industry and look at the concerns of the health of those workers. Cause once they're gone, they can't be replaced," said concerned resident, Donna Willis. Donna says her health has deteriorated since the explosion. She says she's happy the council is trying to help, but she's afraid their findings will be ignored. "It's not going to go anywhere. It's going to be a piece of paper that's is sent through the system. They look at it and say oh my goodness, we did attempt to help the problem. But the government does not have any regulations for proper procedures at any chemical plant," explained Willis. The Research Council which analyzes safety practices for the industry presented ways they think the plant can operate more safely. But say their main goal is to talk with residents and establish a common ground before taking that to the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. "There can be a dialogue between the community and the industry that will lead to benefit the community and the industry," said Council member, Elsa Reichmamis. In the meantime, the residents continue to worry about what is being produced in their backyards. "I'm not going to be the only person who is effected in twenty years. Unfortunately, so will you," said Willis. The Research Council will send their findings to the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. If the board decides to take action, there's no word on how long it will take. MORE NEWS FROM EYEWITNESS NEWS
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