Mableton Residents: Your Voice Needed on Chemical Plant Expansion

Mableton Chemical Plant Seeks Air Quality Permit for Expansion

Compass Chemical International, a Mableton-based chemical plant, has applied for an air quality permit with Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to expand operations at its Buckner Road site. The company, located near the corner of Oakdale and Buckner, is seeking approval to add a new process area for the production of a proprietary lubricant additive—an alkyl phosphite blend, with or without dispersants.

The Georgia EPD is reviewing Compass Chemical’s application, and residents have until October 17 B7Y 4:30 P.M. to submit comments. Residents may also request a public hearing, which must be submitted before the deadline and include the specific rules or concerns to be addressed.

While officials say permits are routine, this could increase air emissions and impact our community’s health. Mableton welcome businesses to the community, but say safety and clean air MUST come first.

Potential Risks to the Community

While air quality permits are designed to regulate emissions, community concerns often extend beyond compliance. Potential risks of the expansion include:

• Air pollution and health effects: Chemical processes may release hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can worsen asthma, bronchitis, or other respiratory issues. Long-term exposure may increase risks of cancer or neurological effects.
• Environmental impacts: Accidental releases could contaminate soil or water. VOCs also contribute to ground-level ozone, a lung irritant.
• Community safety: Plants carry risks of spills, fires, or chemical releases. Even when within permitted limits, odors or irritants can affect nearby neighborhoods.
• Regulatory limits: Permits establish emission thresholds, but “meeting standards” doesn’t always mean “no risk.” Enforcement depends on monitoring and company reporting.
• Equity concerns: Industrial facilities are often concentrated in working-class and minority communities, raising environmental justice questions for Mableton residents.

Learning from Community Action

Residents in communities near industrial facilities have previously organized to address public health and safety concerns. Notably, communities near Sterigenics facilities successfully mobilized to demand stricter oversight, health studies, and regulatory accountability. Their efforts demonstrate that organized civic engagement can influence permitting decisions and protect public health.

How to Submit a Comment:

• By Mail:
  Air Permit Manager
  Georgia EPD – Air Protection Branch
  4244 International Parkway, Suite 120
  Atlanta, GA 30354
• By Email:
  epd.comments@dnr.ga.gov
  (Use subject line: “Air permit application”)

Community Action: Sample Public Comment – Residents can use or adapt the following template to submit their feedback to EPD:

Sample Public Comment

Subject: Public Comment on Compass Chemical International Air Quality Permit Application

Dear Air Permit Manager,

I am a resident of Mableton, and I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposed air quality permit for Compass Chemical International’s Buckner Road facility.

While I understand the importance of supporting business growth, I urge the EPD to carefully evaluate the potential health and environmental risks this expansion may pose to our community. Specifically:

• The proposed production of alkyl phosphite blends could release hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are known to cause respiratory problems and may increase long-term health risks.
• Accidental spills or releases could contaminate local water and soil, threatening both environmental and public health.
• Mableton residents already live near multiple industrial facilities, raising environmental justice concerns about the cumulative impact of additional emissions.

For these reasons, I respectfully request that EPD:

1. Conduct a comprehensive health and environmental impact study before approving this permit.
2. Require stricter monitoring and public reporting of emissions.
3. Hold a public hearing so that residents may voice their concerns directly.

Clean air and community safety must remain the top priority as decisions are made. Thank you for considering this input.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address or Neighborhood in Mableton]