Moed urges community to voice environmental concerns in Oct. 26 public meeting
INDIANAPOLIS – Downtown and Southside residents are encouraged today by State Rep. Justin Moed (D-Indianapolis) to attend a public meeting tomorrow (Oct. 26) to voice community and environmental concerns over Metalworking Lubricants Co. The metalworking fluids, chemicals and processing company with a facility in Indianapolis is currently being investigated by the Department of Justice, and has been in violation of air permits six times since 2016.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) will hold a public meeting to discuss air permitting and the company’s request for adding additional equipment to their facility. IDEM staff will describe the draft air permit and answer questions from citizens. The public will have an opportunity to ask questions, make statements, and discuss air pollution concerns with IDEM staff.
“I encourage citizens who have had long-standing environmental concerns with Metalworking Lubricants to take advantage of this unique opportunity to meet with officials and have their voices heard,” Moed said.
“Community members have been plagued by issues presented by this company for over 20 years. It is time for IDEM to stand up for residents and ensure the company takes responsibility for continued permit breaches.
“Residents have expressed health and quality of life concerns created by permit violations, including frequent reports of headaches, hives and respiratory irritation. Odors created by the factory have led to false reports of gas leaks, tying up local public safety officers who are already stretched thin by the pandemic. Community members have also expressed concerns that complacency with odors that mimic natural gas can also lead to dangerous situations where people do not report gas leaks that could lead to explosions.
“Our state regulators owe it to the citizens they serve to hold companies accountable when they fail to comply with rules designed to keep people safe. Continued violations not only threaten public health, but the economic vitality of our communities. Repeated violations drive away new investments and threaten the growth of our city.”
Moed plans to join community leaders and residents at the hearing tomorrow to ask IDEM to remain vigilant in pursuing healthy and safe air quality for the city.
Attend the public meeting:
WHEN: Tuesday October 26, 2021 at 6 p.m.
WHERE: James A Garfield School 31, 307 Lincoln St, Indianapolis, IN 46225