DEAR EDITOR:

Everyone in Lowellville and Youngstown should take note of what is happening in Point Township, Pa. A proposed “chemical recycling” facility by a company called Encina has officially hit the road. This has come after significant opposition from area residents and a local group called Save Our Susquehanna.

Encina’s proposal would have resulted in 110 truckloads a day of plastic waste into the community to be melted and transformed using high heat without oxygen. This process is called pyrolysis, which is derived from a Greek word meaning “fire separating,” and is currently proposed in Youngstown and possibly Lowellville, as well.

SOBE in Youngstown is proposing to use this “fire-separating” technique to melt tires into fuel. The city of Youngstown has already imposed a one-year moratorium to prevent construction or operation of proposals like SOBE. But even without the moratorium, this type of facility should not be built due to the mixed-use zoning laws that prohibit industrial facilities in this neighborhood — very close to college dormitories, churches, restaurants and a jail. Zoning laws should protect Youngstown from the risks that SOBE will introduce to the community. Lowellville community members should follow Youngstown’s lead and start speaking up.

Pyrolysis plants pose unacceptable risks of toxic emissions into the air that may cause a menagerie of health impacts, including cancer; harm to the nervous system and brain; birth defects; irritation to the eyes, nose and throat; and cardiovascular problems.

Pennsylvania is sighing a clean breath of relief with the news of Encina bidding farewell.

Communities in Ohio need to focus on more sustainable solutions that don’t harm the community. Give SOBE pyrolysis the boot, too!

JESS CONARD

East Palestine