Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a cancer-causing chemical that has also been shown to have reproductive effects. It has been produced in the Kanawha Valley since the 1920s. Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) realized that EtO is much more cancer-causing than they previously realized.

The Union Carbide facility in Institute, WV is currently requesting that the WV Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) renew their air permit (called the Title V permit) that allows them to emit EtO into the air. Recent air samples of the chemical taken by the DEP at the fenceline of the Institute and South Charleston Carbide facilities confirm that the amounts of EtO being emitted from these facilities are much higher than what the EPA thinks is an acceptable cancer risk, but they are permitted to emit even more!

Please sign on to this letter to show your solidarity with all of those who live, work, study, play, pray and travel through and around the Institute community who may be exposed to this carcinogenic chemical, and for all the communities, including downstream in North and South Charleston where the chemical is piped from Institute. 

Tell the DEP that they must hold a public hearing to hear from the people affected as they consider renewing the Union Carbide Institute's plant permit.

*Please include personal stories in the body of the email to the right! For example: do you live, work, go to school or go to a place of worship near the plant? Are you concerned that the plant will impact your health and the health of your loved ones?

Copies of the Permit Application, DAQ Fact Sheet, and Draft/Proposed Permit Renewal may be downloaded from the DAQ's website. Click on the "U" and look for Union Carbide Corporation, Logistics Group, 039-00005 (Part 2 of 2) for more info. 

DEADLINE: November 14th at 4pm Eastern Time