Is A SoyChlor Plant Killing Animals People And Children In Jefferson Iowa
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Reference Education -> subcategory Environmental.
Is a SoyChlor Plant in Jefferson, Iowa Endangering Health and Environment?
Summary: A SoyChlor plant in Jefferson, Iowa, is accused of causing property damage, harming wildlife and vegetation, and posing health risks to residents through hydrochloric acid emissions.
Keywords: SoyChlor, Jefferson Iowa, West Central Cooperative, pollution, hydrochloric acid poisoning
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On October 28, 2005, more than 250 residents of Jefferson, Iowa, initiated a lawsuit against West Central Cooperative. Represented by LaMarca & Landry, P.C., the group includes homeowners, business owners, and employees from local businesses such as MicroSoy, Electrolux, and American Concrete.
The lawsuit addresses concerns of nuisance, negligence, trespass, and strict liability related to dangerous activities. The issues, linked to the SoyChlor plant's operations since February 14, 2005, stem from emissions of hydrogen chloride, hydrochloric acid, and other particulate matter. SoyChlor is a dairy cattle feed supplement made from hydrochloric acid and soy.
Plaintiffs claim that West Central violated environmental laws and exceeded emission limits for hydrogen chloride and particulate matter. These emissions have allegedly corroded metal buildings, killed vegetation, and caused health problems for nearby residents.
Nile Ramsbottom, Vice President for soy and nutrition operations at West Central, stated the company is working to comply with legal standards by planning modifications, including raising the emissions tower and adding a scrubbing system. Approval from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is pending, with a public hearing anticipated.
Residents like Jeb Ball report health impacts, with claims that his son, Colton Conroy, experienced illness attributed to emissions which have since improved after relocating.
SoyChlor's process involves hazardous materials, converting hydrogen chloride into corrosive hydrochloric acid when mixed with moisture, affecting vehicles, glass, wildlife, and vegetation within a mile of the plant.
Community members, like livestock producer Jeff Ostendorf and Bonnie Burkhardt, have documented communication with officials and medical professionals about these impacts. Health concerns include unexpected fatigue among children and worsening respiratory issues in adults.
Wildlife decline, such as diminished bird populations, is a significant concern alongside property damage from emissions. The community reports offer to clean affected vehicles and monetary compensation as attempts to mitigate property damage.
Residents have mobilized, reaching out to various officials and legal representatives to address their plight. George LaMarca, the lead attorney, emphasized a strong stance: "We want the plant closed."
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Is A SoyChlor Plant Killing Animals People And Children In Jefferson Iowa .
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