Residents picketed the Orion Engineered Carbons plant at the end of Echo Road Tuesday. At least two men carried picket signs in protest to the emissions from the plant. Orion Plant Manager Steve Burgin said he went out to speak to the protesters and counted eight people, but only two with signs.
Burgin read from a statement prepared by Orion. The plant manager stated that it is of the highest importance to Orion that they operate their facility in a manner that provides a safe and clean environment for their employees and their neighbors. Burgin said Orion’s objective is to prevent any of its products from escaping from the plant. He confirmed that in the event of any neighbor related concerns Orion treats it very seriously performing internal investigations for potential causes and has independent testing done on samples from the residence to determine the source. Orion takes full responsibility if the emissions are determined to be from the plant and will undertake appropriate action to correct the situation at the residence.
Burgin indicated he offered to meet on a regular basis with the neighbors about their concerns, but added he was turned down on his request. The picketers were gone from the property by the time KOGT arrived. The plant built in 1960 produces carbon black which is used for enhancing the performance of plastics, paints, and manufactured rubber goods. Orion based out of Kingwood, Texas has operated the plant since 2011.
Social Media