In a recent meeting of the Piqua Fire Committee, members expressed deep concerns regarding the testing of lithium-ion batteries at the city's old water plant, a practice that has been ongoing for over five years. The committee, formed in March, is investigating the circumstances that allowed private companies to conduct potentially hazardous activities near community resources, including a bike path and popular fishing areas.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concluded last fall that these companies violated regulations, prompting the committee to seek clarity on how such operations were permitted. Committee members are focused on compiling a comprehensive report detailing their findings and recommendations to prevent similar situations in the future.

Co-chair David Roth highlighted the challenges faced by the committee, particularly the withdrawal of their recommended attorney, Dan Brown, who cited a mismatch in expertise. This setback has left the committee feeling unsupported and stalled in their efforts to gather necessary information and conduct interviews with involved parties.

The committee aims to ensure that their final report is factual and unbiased, emphasizing the need for legal guidance to navigate the complexities of their investigation. They are now tasked with identifying a new attorney to assist in their inquiries and to help maintain the integrity of their findings.

As the committee continues its work, it seeks input from city commissioners on how to proceed, emphasizing the importance of transparency and community safety in their ongoing investigation.