Forum Addresses Community Concerns About Plant Explosion
Forum Addresses Community Concerns About Plant Explosion Save Email Print
Posted: 7:37 AM Sep 5, 2008
 Last Updated: 9:56 AM Sep 5, 2008
 Reporter: Kallie Cart
Email Address: kallie.cart@wsaz.com
12 comments
A | A | A

INSTITUTE, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Neighbors who live near Bayer CropScience in Institute are outraged and want answers.

They got together Thursday night to try to get information on just what happened during last week's explosion. The group also wanted to know about any harm on a day to day basis and about the chemicals used at Bayer, particularly the very dangerous MIC.

Bayer did not have a representative there to answer those questions, but said they have new information.

A spokesperson for the Department of Environmental Protections did say he was on site and the explosion did not harm any of the tanks or pipes which house the deadly chemicals.

Another big concern was the response and how long it took to get information out to the public.

County leaders say they were left in the dark for hours and that Bayer was calling Metro 911 with updates, but only saying there was an emergency.

[ click here for our continuing coverage of the explosion ]

[ Copyright 2008 – WSAZ.com. All Rights Reserved. ]
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Severe Weather and Breaking News Coverage

To send a news tip or submit a story idea, e-mail news@wsaz.com

More Stories
PEIA Hikes Approved

UPDATE: Stabbing Video Released in Cab Driver Attack

UPDATE: Woman Killed in Interstate 77 Crash, Name Released

Suspect Charged in Huntington Murder

 Huntington City Council Preps for Next Mayor

EPA Touts $1.9 Billion Gain for W.Va.

Former Local Doctor, Daughter Killed in Crash

W.Va. Ethics Panel OKs Retirement Gifts, Awards
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Mark on Sep 5, 2008 at 04:49 PM
If MIC had been released, the community would know it. The guard would also know it. MIC will burn your eyes at 0.2 ppm and is deadly at 20 ppm. You can't smell it until there is a higher concentration than 20 ppm. the eyes burning is enough notice that MIC is leaked and the area needs evacuated. Also, MIC is extremely flammable and if it is burning, it is a good thing. It will break down into normal components of combustion if burned (C02, NOx, SOx, ect.).
Posted by: wife of Bayer employee on Sep 5, 2008 at 04:26 PM
A big AMEN to Micele's post. I have read all these posts and it amazes me how many people comment and they don't know what they are talking about. Barry Withrow was a friend of ours and we are not honoring his memory by bickering back and forth. The Bayer EMergency Response Team was trying to get things under control and find one of their own. Someone would have been notified if there had been a danger but no, someone had to "jump the gun" and close highways and administer a shelter in place. Bayer then gets blamed for not giving info and not acting fast enough. My husband is a chemical engineer and he compared the SOLVENT that was released to finger nail polish remover. How much of that do we breathe in when we get our nails done? I totally trust the people behind that gate as much as anyone. Accidents happen. Instead of blaming Bayer, let the investigators do their jobs so they can learn exactly what went wrong and then go on from there. Please pray for all the people affected by this
Posted by: carl on Sep 5, 2008 at 04:03 PM
your very simple minded michele.these companies come here and pollute the rivers systems and air we all breath. it is not worth the risk for ten to twenty jobs.
Posted by: t on Sep 5, 2008 at 02:10 PM
still doesn't give them the right to withhold info from the public or autorities. the key to any GOOD relationship is communication!Yes, even with the community.
Posted by: Michele on Sep 5, 2008 at 01:33 PM
I think you missed the whole point... completely. There was a very LOUD explosion and Bayer does use one known DANGEROUS chemical. The problem is that Bayer wouldn't tell officials WHAT HAPPENED. That is where the problem lies. Bayer LACKED COMMUNICATION. They need to either have monthly emergency drills (which most plants do), so that way they know how to handle the situation. Also, not everyone that is living around Bayer has been doing so since the plant was constructed. There are some people called "seniors" who may have seen Institute when there were only 3 buildings there- who knows? You don't and I don't.
Posted by: Michele on Sep 5, 2008 at 12:41 PM
The outrage amazes me! Seems like the plant is in good standing when they are giving to the community, but one thing happens and they are despised again. I am very sorry for the loss of life, no one wants to lose a loved one. For those of you complaining-why did you buy homes so close? You knew the risks when you signed on the dotted line! I realize surrounding communities were affected, but lets quit crying, moaning and complaining and focus on how to prevent such a serious issue from occuring again. My prayers are with and for the injured man and his family and also for the man who lost his life and his family also. Here's a thought-how bout we try to help them instead of crying about how unfair life is.
Posted by: exbayer on Sep 5, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Bayer only cares about money not peoples safety.Watch and see the state will give them money,and beg them to stay.Is ten jobs worth the death of one person?
Posted by: Doug M on Sep 5, 2008 at 11:47 AM
What do you expect? They could care less about the well-being of the community. Bayer more than likely will blame the man killed for the explosion. This company like every other chemical plant have so much control over the state they dont have to explain anything. Besides they figure we're nothing more than a bunch of ignorant people who will take their word at face value.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 5, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Question: Since last week's explosion how many people in the area has had ongoing headaches? Such As: migraine headaches?
Posted by: David on Sep 5, 2008 at 09:39 AM
I work there. Bayer called Metro to tell them there was a problem. They weren't sure at the time what the problem really was. What do you want? 5 minutes after the explosion Bayer calling Metro 911 giving them a dissertation on exactly what happened? You have to give emergency responders time to respond, read the situation and take proper action. Bayer called and told Metro that there was a problem, moments after it happened,- to alert them that they need to start contacting proper authorities & responders. Give them a break. I know some of you want them to leave all together. That’s great, then you’ll REALLY be complaining because of lose of jobs.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 5, 2008 at 09:17 AM
I don't blamd these people for concerned. They say that none of tanks or pipes were damaged in the blasts but how can one be absolutely sure of that?
Posted by: Sharon on Sep 5, 2008 at 08:12 AM
How much more do you need to know except that there is an emergency....I am sure they needed to investigate also before they set off wide spread panic. And for the woman who suggested jail time for Bayer officials...are you serious...And another thing was the Bayer/Carbide plant there when you bought your house...Then you knew the risk.
Go to our mobile site | Make this your homepage (IE)
WSAZ.com Most Popular / Most Comments
National News Headlines
PHONE IN YOUR YELLS TO: 1-866-616-5354
The Yell: Comments for the Week of 11/30
  • Posted By: Kris: Always been a Major fan of WSAZ but not so much for your website until now. Everything is laid out much better and even seems to be faster!
  • Posted By: True Bison: Mark Hallburn from Putnamlive.com is a complete idiot!
  • Posted By: Bill: I am a native Mountaineer...what's up with "The Yell"? Couldn't there be a better name for your soundoff? Love the idea...
  • Posted By: Sophie: What is going on with all of these "home invasions!" This really scares me. I hope they catch these thugs. How tramatic!
  • Posted By: Kevin: I am just fine with the new look of your website, no problems navigating at all. The people who complain are the ones who fear change, to me this explains why Robert Byrd keeps getting voted into office.
  • Posted By: Ari: I feel SOOO bad for that poor bear that those people are keeping as a "pet" a bear is not a pet, these are the people I dont feel sorry for when they get mauled and there hand bitten off
  • Posted By: Me: I like the postings from other outlets, (wowk etc.) This lets me see a varitey of headlines and stories without moving all around
  • Posted By: Debbie: Your website looks great! It is very appealing to the eye when it comes up on the screen and user friendly. I not an expert by any means, yet I find your site non-threating for someone like me. I check your site twice daily and though I usually do not like change, I like this one! I'm thankful for WSAZ's coverage of Southern Ohio. You treat Ohio with the same level of importance as West Virginia. Thanks for a job well done, with heart.
  • Posted By: Alycia Marie Adams: I think that your new layout is really top notch! It looks much more professional and streamlined than it used to! Thank you for a job well done!
  • Posted By: Christian not offended: Thank you g, I'm glad there is someone else who understands the HOLIDAY meaning to HAPPY HOLIDAYS. If that offends some of you, then maybe you should leave town. This is a FREE country, not a communist one. HAPPY >>>insert holiday here<<< There is that less offending to you?
  • Posted By: Cathi: Thanks for the new website. I think it is truly great. Lots of information, great design. I get on this site many times each day and love the new look and info.
  • Posted By: drsenile: In the spirit of this joyous season, let us remember what it celebrates...the love and compassion for our fellow man. So, those of you who do NOT believe the way I do, get out of town! Sound like anyone you know? If you missed the sarcasm, may I suggest you also leave town.
  • Posted By: mooonie: I like the new layout , it is easier to find what you're looking for . I can't understand what others are complaining about . Great job !!
  • Posted By: drsenile: Well, I just attempted to submit a comment and it disappeared. And no, it wasn't my computer. My basic problem with this site...too much glitz, not enough substance; slow to load information; and, it appears none of the WSAZ staff ever read much of what's here and it might actually improve.
  • Posted By: drsenile: It is the season for honoring a man born 2000 years ago and to celebrate what he brought to all of us in the spirit of love and compassion for our fellow man. So, all of you who DO NOT BELIEVE as I do, get out of town! If you fall to see the sarcasm, by all means, find another planet.
  • Posted By: drsenile: I realize I live in the ultra-exclusive suburb of Milton, but I am curious as to the reason gas prices (for one) are consistently higher than our less fortunate neighbors (like Huntington). As of tonight, there is still a 16 cents per gallon differential between Milton and Huntington (and we are NOT lower). I guess we are helping to pay for improvements to the mayors pet projects.
  • Posted By: Paul: Your new web page is greate, Your local and national coverage is so much easier to surf. You will have critics out there, but any change that is new will not be accepted for a while, this is common for the region that we live in. Keep up the good work WSAZ. Please excuse some of my spelling)
  • Posted By: Taxpayer: At least one Senator has put a secret hold on the nomination of Neil Barofsky to be appointed Inspector General to oversee the $700 billion Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP). It is not clear why the lawmaker is holding up the nomination. Mr. Barofsky appears to be eminently qualified for the Inspector General position, and whether you support the bailout or not, all taxpayers have an interest in making sure every dime is spent appropriately and not subjected to waste, fraud or abuse. Please call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to connect with your Senator's office and find out whether they are responsible for holding up this nomination of the watchdog for the massive bailout package.
  • Posted By: Jennifer: To Volley Mom, yes that's true about life in general but we're talking about a web page, come on. It's not THAT important.
  • Posted By: L.: A little feedback on the site redesign; I like the layout, but it's very crowded and cluttered. I browse the site frequently on my iPhone and I have great difficulty doing that with the new layout - I can't scroll using the touchscreen because all of the columns are crowded together and when I try to scroll I end up clicking on something.
  • Posted By: : I DO NOT LIKE THE NEW PAGE. THE OLD PAGE WAS SO MUCH BETTER!!!
  • Posted By: Melinda: THE ONLY THING THAT NEEDS FIXED ON YOUR NEW WEB SITE IS THE VIEWING OF THE VIDEOS LIKE YOU HAVE GOING ON AROUND THE WORLD I HAVE A POP UP BLOCKER THAT WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO VIEW IT AND BEFORE IT NEVER STOPPED ME.
  • Posted By: Melinda: I LIKE THE NEW WEB PAGE KEEP THIS ONE! ITS EASIER TO READ AND GET TO THINGS.
  • Posted By: Volley Mom: The only thing in life consistent is change. We all need change to keep life interesting. Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% how you deal with it. Learn to deal with things in life a little better. I happen to like the new site.
  • Posted By: Bling Bling: Like the new site, but like asked before why are you running the competitions headlines? Also another recommendation - somewhat croweded but hey it is the news so I will live with it
  • Posted By: Buckeye: I like the new site. Just get sick of seeing the shaking "classmate.com" advertisement. But, they pay a bill I'm sure.
  • Posted By: ann: I HATE THE NEW SIT IT WONT FIT ON MY SCREEN RIGHT ITS MESSED UP CHANGE IT BACK PLEASE HURRRY
  • Posted By: ann: love the new site
  • Posted By: Jennifer: I don't like the new page either, I know change is something you have to get used to but....just my opinion.
  • Posted By: IdiotsUAre: The United States of America was founded under God! The creator of this earth, the father of our Savior Jesus Christ. He is why we even have Christmas. So say Christmas an not holidays! If you want to say holidays then go to another county or even California it might as be its own.
  • Posted By: yuck: I don't like change, please go back to the other website.
  • Posted By: Bob: WSAZ, Why are you linking to WOWK headlines on your website? Even linking to the Daily Mail, Gazette, and H-D isn't smart - because in the online world, they're even more of a competitor to you.
  • Posted By: Bob: Someone could be shopping for Hanukkah gifts. Read a book other than just the Bible.
  • Posted By: BibleThumpers: It's actually a pagan festival for the Winter Solstice. The Christians adopted it as Christ's birthday later on and even adopted many of the pagan items, such as putting up a tree and having a great feast.
  • Posted By: g: it is the stupidest thing I have ever heard, to be offended by the word "Holiday", this all comes from you bible thumpers that all want to tell other people how to think and what to say. You offend me! This is the Holidays! Even 50 years ago before all this ridiculous crap started, cards said Happy Holidays, because it covered Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's, it is the Holiday Season! So Season's Greetings and Happy Holidays Y'all!
  • Posted By: to Lady A:: The "holiday" season also encompasses Hanukkah, a major holiday for those of us who follow the Jewish faith. We also give gifts and do "holiday" shopping this season; thankfully WSAZ is less ignorant than you are and recognizes that their viewership reflects more than one faith.
  • Posted By: to Lady A: FYI, Hanukah is also coming up and we of the jewish faith also exchange gifts during this HOLIDAY season. I, for one, am thankful that WSAZ considers all of their viewers. Your comment was incredibly ignorant.
  • Posted By: What the heck: I agree with Pat, I'm not liking the new page AT ALL.
  • Posted By: Christian not offended: Ok there Lady A, just slow down a minute. Huntingtonian made a good point. Have you ever heard of Hanukah? Some people shop for Hanukah. Jesus was Jewish, so don't tell me that being a Jew is a sin, & Christmas is THE ONLY HOLIDAY this time of year. Yes, I too love to hear MERRY CHRISTMAS, but I refuse to become upset when someone says happy holidays. How do you know if when you say MERRY CHRISTMAS to someone, your not saying it to a Jewish person? Do you ever hear them make a big fat stink about it? NO!!!, you don't. So I think you should just be happy that God has given you another day on this Earth. So that you have the time to celebrate, with your family, whatever holiday you choose. I've decided to say HAPPY MERRY KWANZ~MA~KA that way I've covered them all.
  • Posted By: Pat: Much like New Coke and the new Marco I think you've made a mistake with the new web pagedesign. I don't use Yahoo because the site is too cluttered and I feel the same about your new page. More is not necessarily better!
  • Posted By: Ari: It is CHRISTMAS it is the time we celebrate Christ being born, not Kwanzza or Hanukah. Kwanzza is racist anyways it's a celebration of being black. I have no problem with people saying Happy whatever it is but I am NOT going to watch what i say and not say Marry Christmas becasue it might offend people
  • Posted By: LadyA`: The question was, Did you do any Holiday shopping over the weekend? The shopping they were referring was Christmas shopping. What other holiday shopping would we be doing? Thanksgiving was over. It offended me like many others. It is the Christmas season and I want to see the word Christmas used, not holiday or xmas.
  • Posted By: Huntingtonian: I agree with Anonymous!! It is the "holiday season" and by definition, it encompasses all of the holidays that are coming, not just Christmas. I also am a christian and see something inherintly wrong with pigeon holing this time of year to simply "Merry Christmas." What I find really offensive is those of you who believe that it is ok to say "Christmas" but would be outraged if "Happy Kwanza" or "Happy Hanukah" appeared anywhere. So, that being said: HAPPY HOLIDAYS and a JOYOUS NEW YEAR to all!!
  • Posted By: : Holiday is in referance to ALL holidays this time of year. I have been saying Happy Holidays since I was a kid, growing up during the 80's. Christmas is not the only holiday this time of year. We did just celebrate Thanksgiving, remember. I am a Christian, that is not offended by the phrase HAPPY HOLIDAYS.
  • Posted By: ann: I agree with ladyA its CHRISTMAS
  • Posted By: LadyA: WSAZ- Could you please change the word Holiday to Christmas on your question? The word Holiday offends me.
  • Posted By: mad: To the doofus deer hunter who knocked my mailbox over on gritt rd if you cant drive any better than that you shouldnt have a GUN and thanks for letting us know you smashed the mailbox. MERRY CHRISTMAS DOOFUS
Click Here to Read Story and Post Comments
First Warning Weather Hour-By-Hour
+ Ashland, KY
+ Athens, OH
+ Beckley, WV
+ Charleston, WV
+ Clarksburg, WV
+ Clay, WV
+ Gallipolis, OH
+ Huntington, WV
+ Ironton, OH
+ Logan, WV
+ Morgantown, WV 		+ Paintsville, KY
+ Parkersburg, WV
+ Pikeville, KY
+ Pomeroy, OH
+ Portsmouth,OH
+ Ripley, WV
+ Spencer, WV
+ Sutton, WV
+ Wayne, WV
+ Wheeling, WV
+ Williamson, WV
WSAZ.com Sponsor Sections & Links
SOMC
Very good things are happening here
Weight Watchers
Are you ready to lose weight?
Prudential Bunch
Since 1959 unequaled performance
Moms4Moms
By moms, for moms
WV Lottery
Nightly drawings and numbers
WVA Electric
Visit our unique lighting lab
Big Sandy
For all your furniture and appliance needs
Budget Blinds
The best in custom window coverings

WSAZ Mobile