Possible log fumigation facility in Baker
*** I posted this as a notice earlier today but understand there were technical issues with the post, so I am trying through the community webpage. ***
Hello, we want to make you all aware of the following notice about plans by Allegheny Wood Products to construct a log fumigation facility in Baker:
According to the WV Department of Public Broadcasting, Hardy County residents have until Friday, 5 May 2023 to submit comments on a state permit for a log fumigation facility. The facility would emit 9.4 tons a year of methyl bromide. Methyl bromide is a fumigant that kills fungi and wood-boring insects. It is toxic. Prolonged exposure can cause central nervous system and respiratory failures in humans, per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It has been phased out since 2005 except for certain critical uses.
The WV Department of Environmental Protection / Division of Air Quality is seeking public comment — in written form — by Friday, May 5. A public hearing may be held if there is significant concern with the permit. If people are concerned about this proposal, then please contact the office below to request a public meeting.
Point of Contact:
Write to Steven R. Pursley, WV Dept of Environmental Protection / Division of Air Quality
601 57th Street, SE
Charleston, WV, 25304
Email: steven.r.pursley@WV.gov
Telephone: 304-926-0499 ext. 41900
Attached is an article in the Moorefield Examiner with more details.
Thank you,
Hilary Collins
AWPOA Secretary
2 Responses
All AWPOA! — PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO RESPOND TO THIS! This is a terrible idea to allow a log fumigation facility this close to us. Methyl bromide is a nerotoxin and can be extremely dangerous. This facility is expected to produce 9.4 tons a year! The EPA has banned it for most uses. This is dangerous for people and for the ecology of the state. Please take the time to respond. If you are struggling for what to say, here is what I wrote:
Dear Mr. Pursley,
I have learned that we are potentially going to allow a log fumigation facility in Hardy County and am deeply troubled by this. The facility is expected to produce 9.4 tons of methyl bromide a year. This is a highly toxic gas that according to the CDC can cause: headaches, dizziness, visual disturbances, ventricular fibrillation, pulmonary edema, ataxia, convulsions, coma, and death.
Please advise as to when there will be a hearing so that I can attend, and please do everything you can to keep this from happening in our backyard!! We have some of the most healthy animal population around, and not only will these chemicals be bad for us as people but also would be terrible for the ecology of the WV. There is a reason this chemical is banned by the EPA for most uses. Please do not let this come here!
Bill Russell
1293 Lockinger Ridge Rd.
Moorefield, WV 26836
571-334-1671
Best Regards,
Bill Russell
Good afternoon Ashton Woods,
Earlier today, I spoke with the WV Department of Environmental Protection / Division of Air Quality regarding the log fumigation facility. They are extending the deadline for the public to comment, and the new deadline is 12 May.
They’ve decided to hold a public hearing on Thurs, 4 May but are still finalizing details for the public hearing. Details about the 4 May public hearing will be published in the Moorefield Examiner (for the 26 April issue). People who send emails about the proposed permit for the log fumigation facility will receive an email response with details about the public hearing.
I also learned that Allegheny Wood Products had previously received a permit for a similar log fumigation facility located south of Moorefield but then decided to move the location to Baker, which is what created the need for this new permit now being discussed. It’s unclear why Allegheny Wood Products decided to move the location to Baker nor how far they had gotten with the location south of Moorefield (whether they had completed that facility and had started using it).
Concerns can be directed to the below point-of-contact in written form — either through the mail or email until 12 May (the new deadline). (Emails should receive a response with details about the public hearing.) Once again, the public hearing will occur on 4 May. Look for details in next Wednesday’s issue of the Moorefield Examiner.
Steven R. Pursley, WV Dept of Environmental Protection / Division of Air Quality
email: steven.r.pursley@WV.gov
address: 601 57th Street, SE, Charleston, WV, 25304
Thanks,
Hilary Collins
AWPOA Secretary