Parents Outraged Over Proposal to Build Factory Near Local Schools

Wineries in nearby Loudoun County, Virginia said the plant would have negative effects on their 1-billion dollar a year tourism industry.

Charles Town, West Virginia (DG) – The proposal to build an insulation factory near an elementary school in Jefferson County, West Virginia is drawing criticism and concern from the local community and Northern Virginia wineries.

Rockwool Insulation wants to build a factory would be located across the street from North Jefferson Elementary School and within five miles of several other public schools in Jefferson County. Parents angry over this proposal voiced their concerns last night during a school board meeting.

Rockwool claims all emissions from the plant have been deemed safe by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Wineries in nearby Loudoun County, Virginia said the plant would have negative effects on their 1-billion dollar a year tourism industry.

After the meeting, the school board released a statement saying they believe more data is necessary as they access the long-term impact of the Rockwool facility on the surrounding area.

The school board is asking Rockwool to bring on an independent third party to conduct a Human Health Risk Assessment.

Board members are also seeking information regarding the plant’s emergency plans for disaster scenarios such as fires, leaks, or spills of hazardous material.

-Dianah Gibson