Bayer Fined $143,000 for Fatal Explosion

The Charleston Gazette reported today that Bayer has been fined $143,000 as a result of the August, 2008 explosion at the Bayer CropScience plant in Institute, West Virginia.  The story is here.  The story notes that “poorly planned operating procedures, flawed emergency systems and faulty employee training” led to a chemical reaction that killed two [...]

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Chemical Issues in the Chemical Valley

Some of the dangers of living and working in Charleston, West Virginia have been evident in the past few months.  The infamous chemical valley has had several incidents recently.  These have included an explosion in Institute, West Virginia at the Bayer CropScience plant, an ammonia leak near Carbon, West Virginia, and a gas blow-off stack fire [...]

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WV DEP says Coal Ash Dams Inspected Rarely

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection released data that shows most West Virginia Coal Ash Dams have not even been inspected in the last five years.  The Charleston Gazette carried a story about this on Friday.  The article is here  and contains an interactive map showing where the coal ash dams are located.   The [...]

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