Our blogs are written by the staff of the Center for Coalfield Justice, with an occasional guest post. The most recent post appears on top, and others show up below in order of publishing date. You can receive the blogs in your inbox by signing up for our mailing list. Once per month we publish a newsletter, which contains most of the blog posts.
May 2024 Newsletter
IN CASE YOU MISSED ITChemical Fire at Consol’s Bailey Mine ComplexOn 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…
Arden Seeks Renewal of Air Pollution Permit – Make Your Voice Heard
Per the Air Pollution Control Act, operations that emit major sources of air pollution are required to obtain, and operate in compliance with an operating permit. In Pennsylvania, these permits are known as Title V Permits. Each permit lays out what kind of pollution is being emitted, how much, and what steps the operator is taking to reduce air pollution. When an operator applies for a new or renewed application, the DEP allows for a 30-day public comment period.
Press Release: Cause of fire, what was burning still unknown after Omnis Bailey fire
Critical details regarding the fire that consumed a three-story building owned and operated by Omnis Bailey LLC on May 20 remain unknown. The blaze sent thick black plumes of smoke over miles of Washington and Greene Counties, raising significant public health and safety concerns. Despite the gravity of the situation, neither Omnis Bailey nor CONSOL have provided clear information about the incident, particularly regarding the chemicals involved in the fire beyond diesel fuel.
Tell your PA House Representative to VOTE NO on Dangerous Energy Bill!
When new energy projects are built in our communities, they must go through a thorough permitting process and comply with many state regulations that are meant to protect us. However, a bill is currently moving through the State General Assembly that might make it a reality that these projects won’t have to go through our…
The History of Road Dumping and Why Pennsylvania Should Ban It
Ted Auch, FracTracker Alliance, 2015. 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…
Tonya and Jodi Reflect on the Health Effects Institute Conference in Philadelphia
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 from the Health Effects Institute Conference in April 2024 is the feeling…
Press Release: Chemical fire at a building at Bailey Mine in East Finley
The Center for Coalfield Justice (CCJ) is deeply concerned about the chemical fire that broke out early this morning at the Omnis Bailey Plant, located on the CONSOL Energy property in Greene County. The fire has necessitated an extended response from local and regional fire crews and first responders, raising significant environmental and public health concerns.
Updates on the Bailey Omnis Prep Plant
Early this morning, a large fire was reported above ground at the Bailey Prep Plant in West Finley, PA. So far, we know that first responders are on the scene, residents are being evacuated, and the building contains “an unknown amount of diesel fuel” and other chemicals for a “frother.” Right now, the biggest known…
Just Transition and the Green Manufacturing Boom
In the ever-evolving landscape of global energy, the transition towards renewable resources is murky and unclear. Yet, amidst this transformation, it’s imperative to ensure that no one is left behind. This concept is encapsulated in the notion of a “just transition,” which not only emphasizes environmental sustainability but also prioritizes social equity and economic justice….
Introducing a New CCJ Resource: Pennsylvania Agency Guide
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. Agencies are part of the executive branch of…