Latest news with #W.R.Grace
CBS News
01-07-2025
- General
- CBS News
Maryland community wins appeal over proposed W.R. Grace plastic recycling plant
The Howard County Hearing Examiner sided with neighbors who appealed the county's decision to allow a plastic recycling plant in Columbia. The ruling overturns the Department of Planning and Zoning's (DPZ) determination that the facility does not violate zoning conditions, sending the matter back to the DPZ for further review. Residents oppose plastic recycling plant Howard County residents have been pushing for protections against the proposed plastic recycling plant after learning Maryland-based chemical company, W.R. Grace & Co., planned to build in a location that would border several neighborhoods. In 2024, residents submitted a zoning regulation amendment, asking the county's planning board to prevent research activities from being built close to neighborhoods if they require an emissions permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). In March, the county council voted against a zoning change that would have prevented the facility – and others like it – from opening near any residential areas. Despite the setbacks, residents continued to call for a 1,800 buffer zone between neighborhoods and the proposed recycling facility, citing potential pollution and emissions that could impact the community's health. "I'm just appalled and I can't even believe this can possibly be approved so close to neighborhoods," said Howard County resident Andrea Levinson, who lives about two miles from the proposed plant. Some residents clarified that they were not opposed to the plant, but to the location. "Too close is too close," said Howard County resident Leonard Boyd. "There's still a danger of an explosion, and why is it so close to residential? So even if every case they are making is true, why not build it away from communities?" In late June, W.R. Grace received approval from the MDE to move forward with the proposed plant. The company said its new plant would not burn plastic, but would instead study methods for recycling plastic that are safe and effective. "Concerns about this project are misinformed," the company said in a previous statement. "Grace scientists have developed a new plastic recycling solution that has the potential to reduce emissions, save energy and lower costs compared to other options, and we are confident that there will be no impact on the community. Grace is committed to being a responsible business, a good neighbor and a safe workplace for our 600 on-site employees – 400 of whom are Howard County residents." Howard County residents win appeal In siding with residents, the county hearing examiner determined that DPZ's investigation into the proposed plant was insufficient as it relied on W.R. Grace's self-classification of permitting zoning uses. In the appeal, the hearing examiner said the plant's zoning status raised questions about zoning compliance. The appeal paused the use of the building where the plant would be until DPZ completes its review. "We're grateful that the Hearing Examiner recognized what our community has said for months—that W.R. Grace's plans to build a plastic incinerator next to our homes deserved far more than a rubber stamp," said Aidan Morrell, a resident and attorney who has aided in the legal process. "The ruling clarified that DPZ must conduct more thorough, site-specific investigations to examine the actual nature of the proposed activities as well as the health and safety impacts on neighboring residential communities," Morrell added. WJZ has reached out to W.R. Grace for comment.
CBS News
29-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
New plastics recycling plant approved in Columbia raises concerns for nearby residents
A Maryland chemical company has been approved to move forward with a pilot plastics recycling plant in Columbia by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). However, residents in the area are upset about this decision due to air quality concerns in their neighborhood. Nana and Golash Adadey live in a home that sits near the potential recycling plant, a home they plan to retire in. But in their backyard, there is a sign and a fence that is a reminder of the years-long battle to protect their home. Potential health impact concerns They're a part of a group of Cedar Creek and Columbia residents outraged by the MDE's decision to approve an air permit for the new plastic recycling facility. The agency's decision comes two years after the chemical company, W.R. Grace & Co. (Grace), submitted the permit application. "We do not know the impact, how it is going to affect our health, and this is our retirement home," Nana Adadey said. "People live here. So why are we doing experiments and should be moved away." "They want to pilot this chemical recycling plant, which for all intents and purposes is a plastics burning facility, and they want to do that in our backyards," Shameika Preston, a co-facilitator with the Stop Grace Coalition, explained. Preston is a member of the Stop Grace Coalition, whom are worried the company's plans will have long-term environmental and health impacts on those who live and go to school nearby. Adadey also told WJZ's Janay Reece that she's concerned the plant will have an impact on the children and adults who have underlying health conditions such as asthma and other breathing problems. The company is looking to pioneer new efforts to lower the amount of plastic waste by recycling it into "plastic precursors", according to Grace. In a statement to WJZ, a spokesperson from the chemical company explained that this new project could reduce emissions, save energy, and lower costs compared to existing methods. "With the required air permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment in place, Grace will set up a small R&D pilot lab within an existing building on our campus to study a plastic recycling innovation," the spokesperson said. "We are committed to operating in full compliance with the conditions set forth by MDE and appreciate their thorough, science-based review, as well as the Howard County community's engagement throughout this process." Elected officials called on for support "It's a pilot plant, right? They also don't know what will happen," Preston said. After the permit approval, the MDE issued a notice stating, "The Department has reviewed the application and the comments received and has determined that the proposed installation would not cause violations of any applicable air pollution control regulations." However, neighbors are demanding more safety precautions. "We need some kind of guardrails to help us to be safe," Adadey said. "Nobody has made a consent and emergency plan. I have not seen an emergency plan through the fire department," Preston said. "The gist of it is we are calling on our elected officials to help us."
CBS News
20-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
Plan for new Maryland recycling plant moves forward, despite pushback
The proposal for a controversial plastic recycling plant in Howard County's River Hill neighborhood is moving forward, despite community frustrations. The Maryland Department of the Environment recently approved a permit to construct the facility. The permit allows W.R. Grace & Co. to build a pilot plastic recycling plant for research. The plant will sit near residential communities including River Hill and Cedar Creek in Columbia. Over the past two years, neighbors pushed back against the proposal. A group called Stop the Grace Project has led much of the opposition. Hundreds signed an online petition calling on local leaders to stop the project. Residents fear the plant could bring pollution and increase health risks. Some worry about toxic leaks, fires and long-term damage to air and water quality. The Howard County Council previously considered a zoning change to prohibit plastic incineration in residential areas, but it was voted down in March. W.R. Grace has said the facility will not burn plastic. Instead, the company says it will focus on developing safer and more effective recycling methods. WJZ reached out to the Maryland Department of the Environment. The agency said the permit meets legal air emission standards. "Protecting the health of nearby residents is our top priority," MDE said in a statement. Howard County residents voice concerns of proposed recycling plant While W.R. Grace and Co. told WJZ that the plant will introduce a new and safe and more efficient way to recycle plastic, many residents still say they don't want the plant near their neighborhoods. In Nov. 2024, Howard County residents from Columbia's River Hill and Cedar Creek communities went before board members to plead for a recommendation that would require an 1,800-foot buffer in certain scenarios between new research and development facilities and residential areas. Again in February 2025 at a Howard County Council meeting, residents voiced their concerns about the plant. "There's still a danger of an explosion. And why is it so close to residential?" Boyd said. "So even if every case they are making is true, why not build it away from communities?," a resident told WJZ. Other residents are worried about the chemical emissions. W.R. Grace & Co. told WJZ that the plant will not burn plastic, but will be to study a potentially game-changing innovation for recycling plastic that is safe and effective. "With this new project, we will not burn plastic, as some who misunderstand our project and our intentions have asserted. Rather, we are studying a potentially game-changing innovation for recycling plastic – a safe and effective way to solve a problem facing us all," the company said.
CBS News
03-03-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Howard County residents to rally in support of bill that could ban plastic recycling plant in residential areas
Howard County residents and advocates are expected to rally Monday evening as county councilmembers prepare to vote on a bill that would prohibit the incineration of plastic in residential zones. In a statement Sunday, residents expressed concerns that the bill won't get the votes needed to pass. Residents argue that the "common sense bill" will protect communities from toxic emissions and other dangers like potential leaks, fires and explosions at plastic recycling facilities. Under the proposed bill, activities that impact surrounding areas with noise, fumes or vibrations would be classified as manufacturing in the county's zoning regulations. Manufacturing activities are required to be in areas far from residential neighborhoods to protect the health and safety of residents. Residents oppose recycling plant The bill comes as some residents have been pushing for protections against the Maryland-based chemical company W.R. Grace & Co., which plans to build a plastic recycling plant that would border some neighborhoods. In November 2024, residents from the Cedar Creek and Village of River Hill neighborhoods submitted a zoning regulation amendment to the county's planning board, calling for a 1,800-foot buffer between neighborhoods and facilities that require an emissions permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). "We're just asking to keep these people in a safe environment," Howard County resident Anwer Hasan said. "That's all we're asking." Under the bill, W.R. Grace's plastic recycling plant would be classified as a manufacturing activity and would not be allowed to be built near any residential area in the county heated public hearing in February. "The chemicals they admitted will be emitted, will be dangerous at the distances we are," said Shamika Preston. "It doesn't matter if it's teeny-weeny or a whole lot." W.R. Grace told WJZ that the recycling plant will not burn plastic and will only be used to study a potentially game-changing innovation for recycling plastic that is safe and effective. "If passed, this ZRA would set a harmful precedent that would repel institutions and employers away from Howard County. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) process is designed specifically to evaluate the safety of projects like ours, and we are committed to faithfully and fully following that process," W.R. Grace said in a statement. The company said the plant could reduce energy use, improve air emissions and help keep plastic out of landfills and oceans. The company has been working with MDE since 2023 on permit planning, though MDE has not yet decided on approval.
CBS News
19-02-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Howard County residents voice frustrations over proposed recycling plant
Howard County residents voiced their concerns on Tuesday over a Maryland-based chemical plant looking to build a pilot plastics recycling plant for research in Columbia. As the county council considers plans for the recycling plant, dozens of residents spoke out at a heated public hearing, asking the board to shut this proposed plan down. W.R. Grace & Co. told WJZ that the plant will introduce a new and safe way to recycle plastic. However, residents are calling on county leaders to have W.R. Grace build the plant away from their residential neighborhoods. "Too close is too close," said Howard County resident Leonard Boyd. Residents are worried about pollution in their community. "The chemicals they admitted, will be admitted, will be dangerous at the distances we are," said Shamika Preston. "It doesn't matter if it's teeny-weeny or a whole lot." W.R. Grace says plant will be "safe and effective" W.R. Grace & Co. told WJZ that the plant will not burn plastic, but will study a potentially game-changing innovation for recycling plastic that is safe and effective. "Grace is proud to be headquartered in Howard County and to contribute to its scientific and economic legacy by conducting meaningful, safe and properly permitted R&D at our world class facility for more than 60 years," W.R. Grace said in a statement. "With this new project, we will not burn plastic, as some who misunderstand our project and our intentions have asserted. Rather, we are studying a potentially game-changing innovation for recycling plastic – a safe and effective way to solve a problem facing us all." W.R. Grace added, "If passed, this ZRA would set a harmful precedent that would repel institutions and employers away from Howard County. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) process is designed specifically to evaluate the safety of projects like ours, and we are committed to faithfully and fully following that process." The company says their research shows the plant could reduce energy use, improve air emissions, and help keep plastic out of landfills and oceans. Boyd said he's not against the operation, just the location. "There's still a danger of an explosion. and why is it so close to residential?" Boyd said. "So even if every case they are making is true, why not build it away from communities?" Since august of 2023, W.R. Grace has been working with the Maryland Department of the Environment on permitting the plant, but MDE says they have not yet decided on approval and will be taking public comment into consideration.
