1980-02-06 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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To City Council - City of La Porte February 6, 1980 by Celeste Peterson • It is my desire to call to your attention the operations of PPG Industries and the fact that the deadly gas, phosgene, is being produced in close proximity to heavily traveled streets, densely populated residential subdivisions and to the business section of the City of La Porte. The very presence of phosgene is frightening. Production of such a substance must be closely monitored. Industry is very important to the City of La Porte and indeed to the entire Bayshore area. We actively invite and solicit industrial expansion in our area. New industry and the expansion of existing plants create new jobs and enhance our economy. However, we expect industry to be safe and desireable. Mr. Charles Bellon of PPG Industries stated on February 5th, that PPG has not increased their production of phosgene since their purchase of the plant from • Chemtron in January 1979. He also states that they have no plans for expansion of their phosgene facilities. He does, however, confirm their option to purchase a large tract of land adjoining their present facilities between La Porte proper and Fairmont. Park. I request that the City of La Porte and the citizens of the area be aware of the danger of this installation and that City authorities be constantly alert to any permit requests from PPG Industries. I request that the City hold a public hearing for any permit requests from PPG so that citizens may employ the expertise to evaluate such requests. Again - we value the presence of industry. Industry appears to make every effort to be good neighbors. We must continue to be alert to any industrial installation that might endanger our lives. The strength of our economy is secondary to the safety of our citizens. •