IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Chemical Fire at Consol’s Bailey Mine Complex
On the morning of May 20th, there was a large fire at the Omnis Bailey Plant, an above-ground facility inside of CONSOL’s Bailey Mine enclosure. The fire took over 20 fire departments approximately 11 hours to extinguish, destroying the building and sending a significant plume of smoke across northern Greene and southern Washington Counties. There were no injuries reported by first responders, though particulate matter and volatile organic compounds in the smoke are both associated with long term impacts like asthma, respiratory diseases, and cancer.
The structure was owned and operated by Omni Bailey LLC. CONSOL Energy, which owns and operates the Bailey Mine Complex, is a majority owner of Omnis Bailey LLC. The Omnis Bailey Plant produced fuel, fertilizer, and feedstock for synthetic materials using waste coal. For now, we know from initial reports that diesel and “other hazardous materials” stored onsite burned in the fire, but CONSOL has yet to release a list of the types and quantities of chemicals involved.
CCJ released the following statement calling for transparency and cooperation: “We are alarmed by the fire at the Bailey Omni Plant and the potential dangers it poses to the surrounding communities. Our primary concern is the health and safety of the workers, residents, and first responders in Washington and Greene Counties. We urge immediate and transparent communication from CONSOL Energy and Omnis Bailey LLC about the nature and extent of the hazardous materials involved and the steps being taken to mitigate any environmental impact. We stand ready to support our community through this crisis and are prepared to advocate for CONSOL and Omnis Bailey LLC to step up for any clean-up and to pay back our volunteer first responders for the significant resources they expended in this response.”
Let us know if you have had health impacts or other experiences that you’d like to discuss. If you need to file a complaint with DEP, here is our video and written instructions for how to do that.
You can read more updates and coverage of the fire here.
Cecil Township: Hundreds of Residents Warn Against “Living in Dystopia” at Board of Supervisors Hearing
On May 8th, CCJ joined nearly 200 residents at a Cecil Township Board of Supervisors public hearing on updates to the township’s oil and gas ordinance. The township, already home to 5 separate fracking well pads, is updating its ordinance in response to months of complaints about noise, vibrations, traffic, flaring, and other concerns. Nearly every one of the speakers at the hearing spoke out in support of increased setbacks from well pads for homes and schools, more monitoring of noise, air, and water pollution, and transparency about board members’ financial ties to the oil and gas industry.
CCJ Executive Director and Cecil Township resident Sarah Martik issued the following statement: “Cecil Supervisors might want to hold these hearings quietly, but residents are at their breaking point with the danger and nuisance of these wells. People should have a say in whether someone builds a well pad 200 steps from their bedroom. All we’re asking is for common sense from the Board: Increase setbacks and let new homeowners opt-in if they’re comfortable living closer.” Read more in our press release from the event here.
There is one more public hearing on the ordinance planned for June 5th at 6:00 PM at the Cecil Township Municipal Building or on Youtube. Residents can learn more and view the updated map and ordinance proposals here.
BLOGS & NEWS THIS MONTH
How Have Washington and Greene Counties Spent Opioid Settlement Funds so Far?
By Paul Fedore | May 13, 2024
CCJ has been working closely with community members, service providers, and other local advocates to encourage the county to spend opioid settlement funds in a way that increases and expands the amount of harm reduction and recovery resources and services we have in our area. Annually on March 15th, counties must submit their reports for how they have spent and are planning to spend the opioid settlement funds they’ve received. Read more here.
Introducing a New CCJ Resource: Pennsylvania Agency Guide
By Nina Victoria | May 14, 2024
As part of our mission to provide people with the information that they need to know, CCJ is proud to introduce our newest resource: the Pennsylvania Agency Guide! This guide is intended to provide more information about agencies that could be involved in portions of our work. Check out the guide here.
Just Transition and the Green Manufacturing Boom
By Jason Capello | May 14, 2024
This transition isn’t merely about swapping energy sources; it’s about reimagining entire industries, redefining job roles, and revitalizing communities that have predominantly suffered the frontline burdens of pollution from these industries. There is a lot of argument and uncertainty about what this shift will do to local economies and existing jobs. Many have incorrectly said we cannot transition from fossil fuels without losing jobs, products, and services. Read more here.
Tonya and Jodi Reflect on the Health Effects Institute Conference in Philadelphia
By Tonya Yoders & Jodi Borello | May 28, 2024
The Health Effects Institute is a nonprofit corporation that provides impartial and relevant science on the health effects of air pollution. The Philly Conference covered several topics that were of interest to our communities in both Washington and Greene Counties. Tonya’s overall takeaway is a feeling of hope while Jodi shares some specifics about HEI and the things they plan to do this year. Read more here.
The History of Road Dumping and Why Pennsylvania Should Ban It
By Jason Capello | May 29, 2024
There is a long history of regulating “road dumping” which, essentially, is the disposal of oil and gas wastewater onto public roads. Due to some legislative loopholes, the by-product from conventional and unconventional drilling was legally allowed to be released on public roads, despite the number and concentration of harmful chemicals in this waste, until a moratorium prevented unconventional operators from doing so in 2016. However, road dumping persists to this day because of a loophole in residual waste regulations. Read more here.
TAKE ACTION
Tell your PA House Rep to VOTE NO on Dangerous Energy Bill SB 832!
The PA Senate recently passed SB 832, Senator Yaw’s bill to create an Independent Energy Office that would analyze laws, regulations, and policies and make energy-related recommendations. The IEO is supposed to do so impartially, without preference for certain energy sources over others, though depending on who runs it, the office could perpetuate the fossil fuel industry instead of supporting a just transition to renewable sources. Even worse, new amendments created a Pennsylvania Opportunities with Energy Reliability Authority that could waive certain regulations and permitting requirements for major extraction projects. We can’t let a third-party board overrule our constitutional right to clean water, pure water, and preservation of our environment! Write your House Representative with one click at the link below and tell them to vote NO on SB 832.
Tell Your State Senators to Support Solar for Schools!
Solar for Schools is a proposal moving through the General Assembly that would grant public schools and universities money to install the technology to generate electricity. This grant would greatly benefit public schools in PA, which need more adequate and equitable funding sources. The program would benefit our local schools, create jobs, and benefit our local economy – all while cutting emissions, benefits the environment and helps us meet our climate goals. It has bipartisan support and should be a slam dunk for all, but we still need your help to get the bill across the finish line. Take action below to tell your State Senator to support Solar for Schools!
PUBLIC NOTICES
Read all of the latest relevant public notices from the past month for Washington and Greene Counties as of May 30th here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
MAD-FACTS June
Do you feel alone when you voice your concerns about health impacts of oil and gas in our communities? Would you like to see high-tech FLIR camera footage of air pollution at local fracking wells and compressor stations? Join us at our next MAD-FACTS (Moms and Dads – Family Awareness of Cancer Threat Spike) meeting to learn more about protecting your family’s health while living next to oil and gas infrastructure in your neighborhood! This month, we’ll be joined by Physicians for Social Responsibility PA on June 13th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at South Franklin Township Park Pavilion 1.
DRYerson 2024
We’re hosting our 18th Annual DRYerson Festival at Ryerson Station State Park on June 22nd! This event commemorates the loss of Duke Lake in the park due to damage from coal mining and celebrates the ongoing revitalization of Greene County’s only state park. We welcome residents, members, and supporters to join us at the park for free food, good music, face painting, and fun with CCJ staff and supporters. Please RSVP with the form below to help us plan for this event!
ALLY & COMMUNITY EVENTS
6/5 — Methane Pipeline Leaks: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions
- 12 PM on Zoom
- Join Evangelical Environmental Network, Moms Clean Air force, Pipeline Safety Trust, and Healthfirst PA for a webinar discussing the health dangers and climate impacts of leaky methane gas pipelines and the Department of Transportation’s proposed rulemaking to address them.
- Register Here
6/11 – 20 — Living Near Shale Gas: Virtual Workshop Series with ProtectPT
- June 11th, 12th, 18th, and 20th at 7 PM on Zoom
- This free community workshop series will provide valuable insights into various aspects of oil and gas development, offering strategies for living amidst extraction and transportation disruptions and addressing concerns about air, water, and waste management. The workshop is also accompanied by a “Home Resource Guide” with tools and information about protecting your health and property. Register by June 4th to receive one in the mail in time for the workshop.
- Register Here
6/12 — Petroleum-238: Big Oil’s Dangerous Secret & The Grassroots Fight to Stop It!
- 3-4 PM on Zoom
- Did you miss our book signing with Justin Nobel in May? You can join this discussion with him hosted by Food & Water Watch about his new book, Petroleum-238. They will discuss opportunities to pass and enforce stronger regulations, close legal loopholes, and organize towards a livable future for all.
- Register Here
6/15 — Washington Pride + Washington Juneteenth Celebration
- Juneteenth: 11 AM – 7 PM at Lemoyne Community Center (200 N Forrest Ave) Pride: 12 PM at Washington Wild Things Park
- It’s a two for one of community celebrations in Little Washington! Juneteenth, hosted by NAACP Washington and the Lemoyne Center, will feature a historic parade, DJ, food trucks, drum ensemble, art, and more. Washington Pride, hosted by the Washington County Gay Straight Alliance, is moving to the Washington Wild Things Park this year and will once again feature a number of LGBTQ+ performers and artists as well as food and other vendors. Plan out your Saturday to attend both and come say hi to CCJ at our community tables at each!
6/18 — Soil Health for Every Garden
- 7 PM on Zoom
- Join Penn State Master Gardener and Soil Scientist Margaret Sams and discover tips on soil texture, compost, fertility, and more. Perfect for home gardeners, landscapers, and anyone passionate about sustainable gardening looking to better understand how different types of soil can impact the overall health and sustainability of their garden.
- Register Here
WEEKLY & MONTHLY EVENTS
Tuesdays — Canonsburg Farmers Market
– 3 – 7 PM at St. Patrick Church
Tuesdays & Saturdays — Greene County Flea Market
– 7 AM – 2 PM at Greene County Fairgrounds
Wednesdays — Waynesburg Farmers Market
– 10 AM – 2 PM at 145 W High Street, Waynesburg, PA
Thursdays — Main Street Farmers Market (Washington)
– 3 – 6 PM at Main Street Pavilion, Washington PA
Fridays — Monongahela Farmers Market
– 3 – 6 PM at Chess Park
Second Saturday Monthly — Free Food Pantry
– 9 AM – 12 PM at Lemoyne Center
Second Saturday Monthly — Market in the Park (Washington)
– 9 AM – 1 PM at Washington Park Main Pavilion
You can find more community events in Washington County here and Greene County here.
SUPPORT OUR WORK
We could not do this work without the continued support of our members and supporters. Please help us to continue our work to fight for environmental justice in Southwestern Pennsylvania by becoming a member of CCJ. Recurring monthly donations help to best support our work. Any gift made to the Center for Coalfield Justice is 100% tax-deductible.
