The WV Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) issued a consent order and fine to APG Polytech, LLC (APG), a plastics manufacturer in Apple Grove, WV.

APG discharges a compound called 1,4-dioxane (1,4-D). This compound is commonly used as a solvent for resins, oils, waxes, and some dyes and is often found in cosmetics, detergents, shampoos, and some pharmaceuticals.

1,4-D has been identified as a likely human carcinogen that has been banned in California due to its links to cancer, its persistence in water, and the inability for standard waste and drinking water treatments to remove this dangerous compound.

This consent order from WVDEP imposes a fine on APG for violating their discharge limit of 1,4-D into the Ohio River — the drinking water source for over 5 million people.

APG is recklessly discharging excess 1,4-D upstream of the drinking water intake for WV American Water Huntington District.

APG has delayed designing and constructing an appropriate treatment system for years. This unnecessary delay has resulted in chronic non-compliance with permit limits and even higher levels of 1,4-D contaminating drinking water supplies.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), industrial releases of 1,4-D to drinking water supplies present an unreasonable risk to fence-line communities like Huntington. An EPA analysis found that if you drink water sourced from places where 1,4-D is released close to the water intake, there’s a 2.5 in 100 chance of getting cancer in your lifetime.

Before the comment period closes this Thursday, August 10, please add your voice with ours. Urge WVDEP to hold APG accountable: Lower the allowable limit for discharging this chemical, increase the penalty for polluting our water resource, and demand APG shut down operations if they don’t meet their commitment to timely progress on upgrading their treatment process.

Thank you for your advocacy for clean and safe drinking water for all.

In solidarity,
WV Rivers Coalition