(Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Corner - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Last fall, I received an email from a group concerned about public health, informing me of an important event scheduled for Nov. 14, 2024, in Fairmont, W.Va. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency would be holding their first “Public Meeting” (caps per EPA) to explain the hazard at the site of the former Fairmont Brine Processing facility. The EPA’s “2024 Radiological Health Update” was the topic of the meeting. Because my granddaughter is a student at nearby Fairmont State University, I was very interested. That evening, her mother and I drove to Fairmont for the presentation. Most of the 80+ people in attendance were locals residing near the brine disposal site. In addition to EPA officials, staff from WV Department of Health, WV Department of Environmental Protection and their Office of Environmental Health Services were present.

According to my online research this facility operated from 2013 to 2018. During that time, flowback fluids from “fracking,” otherwise known as “brine,” were sent there for “treatment” and “recycling.” Originally constructed and operated by AOP Clearwater, it was initially hailed as a “big success.” However, when an engineering firm that was called in to evaluate the plant, told them it would need $10 million in upgrades, AOP cleared out. The person who owned the engineering firm, Dave Moniot, got some investors and bought the plant himself. Renamed Fairmont Brine Processing, he hoped to turn the plant around. In 2017, it was discovered that improper disposal of radioactive waste from that site had occurred at a landfill in Kentucky. This led to regulatory scrutiny which became burdensome for the company and once again the site was abandoned. Local high school/ college students began using it as a party spot. On May 30, 2023, it attracted attention when a fire and explosion damaged an above-ground storage tank. Several local fire departments responded as well as WV state agencies which reached out to the EPA. At the time, local news articles referred to it as “Fairmont’s Chernobyl.” The EPA established and (when checked recently) still maintains a website at “Site Profile-Fairmont Brine Site-EPA OSC Response.” Updates are posted regularly.

The EPA began the meeting with introductions of all staff present and requested that questions be held until all presentations were made (paper and pens were made available). They then opened with an informational slideshow about radiation which included types, health effects, doses, natural and man-made sources and TENORMs (Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material). These are radioactive materials that have been exposed to the accessible environment as a result of human activities such as fracking. Fluids from fracking operations contain TENORMs, more concentrated than when naturally occurring. Differences between exposure and contamination were reviewed. Then a large map of the site was hung up showing the area involved with locations of a pond, a road, a steel building and an abandoned motor boat. EPA reported their contractors had posted “No Trespassing” signs, fenced the site and installed additional security measures. Particular areas were discussed in more detail. Although EPA data confirms the presence of radioactivity at the site; they emphasized there are no measurable health impacts to the public as long as the site is not trespassed upon. WV staff then gave brief presentations. DEP/OEHS discussed their responsibilities such as the Radiologic Health Program operated by OEHS which does annual inspections of facilities that use radiation machines. Department of Health staff discussed their relevant programs which include a Radon Program that provides free Radon detectors.

Finally public comments/questions were taken. Almost all present expressed concerns about radiation leaking past the current boundaries of the restricted area. Many also were skeptical of EPA’s assurance that the area is only harmful if trespassing occurs. As we left, I turned to my daughter and, especially since Trump had just won the election, expressed concern for my granddaughter. Her wise response was “For everyone, everywhere.” Too true! On May 1, 2025, an online article in the Guardian stated: “Donald Trump has launched an unprecedented assault upon the environment, instigating 145 actions to undo rules protecting clean air, water and a livable climate in this administration’s first 100 days — more rollbacks than were completed in Trump’s entire first term as U.S. president.” These will be facing legal challenges. Hopefully, the courts’ decisions will help save the grandchildren.

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Giulia Mannarino of Belleville, is a grandmother concerned about her two granddaughters’ futures and a member of Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action.