Tuesday, March 02, 1999
Paper plant accidents raise fears in Franklin
Council plans to seek list of chemicals
BY DAVID ECK
Enquirer Contributor
FRANKLIN — Frustrated by recent accidents at Miami Valley Paper Co., residents who live near the Oxford Road plant told Franklin City Council on Monday that they have had enough.
And they found a sympathetic ear. Council said they would work with residents to determine health risks posed by the company and try to minimize inconvenience caused by its operations.
City officials said they will ask company officials to provide a list of the chemicals it uses, and want plant officials to be more open with neighbors.
“We'll get a handle on it,” said Mayor James Mears. “We'd like to see them be a good corporate citizen.”
No company officials attended Monday's meeting.
Residents said they feel the plant is dangerous and are tired of disruptions in the neighborhood.
Last week, about 40 residents were evacuated for several early-morning hours when a chemical blast at the plant injured a worker. Later that day, there was a small roof fire at the factory.
Those incidents follow a November accident in which the plant spewed dye over the neighborhood, coating houses, cars, streets and even trees a bright orange. Some of the dye is still on houses and cars, despite repeated washings, neighbors said.
Harold Besserman, who lives directly behind the company, said that he wants help in getting the company to clean the orange from his property. He was gratified with the city's interest.
“Right now they seem like they want to be involved, which is a plus,” Mr. Besserman said. “Our main concern right now is the health and safety of our families.”
Neighbors also raised concerns last fall when the company received city approval to install an 18,000-gallon propane tank.
Miami Valley Paper coats paper for labels and tags at the nearly 100 year-old plant.
Company officials last week said they are working through the issues.
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