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Health Fears: Residents Challenge Plastic Lab Permits
30 Sep
Summary
- Residents and scientists urge permit review for W.R. Grace pilot lab.
- Concerns include potential release of toxic chemicals like PFAS.
- A legal battle continues over the facility's operational zoning.
Residents and scientists are calling on the Maryland Department of the Environment to reconsider permits for a W.R. Grace pilot facility in Columbia. The "Stop Grace Coalition" expressed health concerns, alleging that the plastic recycling research lab incinerates plastics, a claim W.R. Grace denies. Three scientists, including professors from Johns Hopkins, have supported these concerns, citing potential risks from chemicals like PFAS, benzene, lead, and arsenic. They have signed a letter to the MDE requesting additional testing and public monitoring of the lab's emissions.
W.R. Grace stated that air emissions comply with state regulations and the permit was issued after extensive review. The company maintains the pilot initiative is a small-scale research effort addressing a global environmental issue and would not pose risks. Concurrently, neighbors are pursuing a legal appeal challenging a county board's decision that upheld the facility's zoning, indicating an ongoing legal battle alongside environmental advocacy.
