Tuesday, April 20, 1999
Sewer rerouting at plant possible
Silmar neighbors cite latest odors
BY JANE PRENDERGAST
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON — The latest problems at a Fort Wright resins plant have company, city and county officials working on new solutions to stop the stink.
What nearby residents smelled Saturday, and in another incident several weeks ago, seemed to be coming through the sewers at Interplastic Chemicals Corp.'s Silmar Division, said Fire Chief Joe Heringhaus. That leaves the officials looking at ways to change the sewer system, he said, including possibly disconnecting the plant from the system that serves the residents' homes.
But that change would require federal and state permits — and wouldn't be quick, said Barry Lusby, Kenton County's new emergency management director.
Some of the Latonia residents most directly affected have sued the company, claiming they have been exposed over the years to carcinogenic, toxic and hazardous chemicals as well as foul odors. The suit claims that the residents have suffered injuries to their skin, respiratory tracts and eyes, and have fears of an increased risk of cancer, birth defects and neurological damage.
Saturday afternoon, firefighters and Mr. Lusby were called to the plant after residents again smelled styrene, a chemical that can be smelled even at very low levels, Mr. Lusby said. One neighborhood woman was taken to a hospital, then released.
The sewer was flushed with an emulsifier. The company also plans to run a camera through the sewer system to check for places where the styrene might be getting inside, Chief Heringhaus said.
“We're open to anything at this point,” Mr. Lusby said. “The history is such that they are exploring all avenues to try and resolve this issue.”
Coincidentally, Mr. Lusby and representatives of the Covington and Fort Wright fire departments met with Silmar officials last Friday, the day before the latest leak.
“The plant's been cooperative with us,” he said.
Government officials are grateful for the working relationship. In the past, they had complained that the company did not always promptly notify them of problems.
Company officials could not be reached for comment Monday. They are willing to pay for sewer changes, Chief Heringhaus said.
The residents' attorney, Paul Dickman, said Monday they still await Kenton Circuit Judge Steven Jaeger's decision on whether the suit will be made a class action to encompass more residents. That would mean everyone living within 2,000 feet of the plant would become part of the proceedings and could benefit from any financial settlement..
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