Tell WVDEP: Keep Holding APG Polytech Accountable
Many of you stood with us when we called for stronger oversight of APG Polytech’s discharges into the Ohio River near Apple Grove. After two rounds of public pressure and repeated permit violations, your voices made a difference — and now, WVDEP is requiring APG to install additional treatment for a toxic chemical: 1,4-Dioxane, a likely human carcinogen.
This permit modification is a significant win, but there’s more work to be done to protect public health. APG Polytech is already subject to a Consent Order issued due to its past violations. The schedule for compliance is tight, and there’s still risk. We’re asking you to take the next step: Ask WVDEP to enforce penalties if APG exceeds pollutant limits.
What’s 1,4-Dioxane?
1,4-dioxane (1,4-D) is a chemical compound commonly used as a solvent for resins, oils, waxes, and some dyes. (It’s often found in detergents, cosmetics, shampoos, and some pharmaceuticals.) 1,4-D has been identified as a likely human carcinogen and is banned in California due to its links to cancer, its persistence in water, and the inability of standard waste and drinking water treatments to remove this dangerous compound.
The Impact of 1,4-D
According to the EPA, industrial releases of 1,4-D to drinking water supplies present an unreasonable risk to fence-line communities like Huntington. Their analysis found that if you drink water sourced from places where industry releases 1,4-D close to the water intake, there’s an increased risk of getting cancer in your lifetime.
This situation is unacceptable. We deserve access to safe and healthy drinking water.
Take Action with WV Rivers Today
Use our easy Action Alert tool at the button below to send a comment urging WVDEP to prioritize clean water and community health. The deadline to comment is May 11, 2025.
Thank you for using your voice to advocate for clean water with us.
