Public Meetings on Environmental Risks of Ethane Cracker Chemical Plants in Ohio Valley

Freshwater Accountability Project

From an Article by Brittany Grego, WTOV 9 News, September 26th 2018

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — As Belmont County awaits the announcement of a potential billion – dollar ethane cracker plant, some have concerns about what’s involved.
The plant could mean more jobs and economic development – and some environmental risks.

Father Michael Ziebarth of the Greek Orthodox Church addressed county commissioners on Wednesday about informational sessions that will be taking place.

The Freshwater Accountability Project is holding sessions to talk about protecting the area’s drinking water and the air from pollution and chemicals.

“God will not smile if we trash his gift, to put it straightforward,” he said. “This world is a beautiful thing and we can’t survive without all of these things the natural world provides for us. We should at least be informed. There’s lots of concern for economic development and jobs, but this is one part of it.”

The first meeting takes place from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday at the Martins Ferry OH Public Library.

Another meeting will occur from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 3 at the Moundsville-Marshall County WV Public Library.