Cedar Creek residents rally against Grace's toxic recycling plant proposal

Residents of Cedar Creek voiced their concerns at a recent Howard County legislative public hearing regarding a proposed pilot recycling plant by the chemical company W.R. Grace. The hearing, held on February 19, 2025, highlighted fears over potential health risks associated with the plant's operation, which would involve the release of volatile organic compounds and other toxic chemicals into the air for up to 16 hours a day.

Helen Jung, a ninth grader and Cedar Creek resident, passionately urged the council to support Bill CB 11 20 25, which aims to protect the health and safety of local communities. She expressed her worries about the long-term health impacts of exposure to hazardous emissions, citing increased risks of diseases such as lung cancer and asthma. Jung emphasized that the pollution would disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, who live just 70 meters from the proposed site.

Another resident, Isaiah, echoed these sentiments, questioning why the company had not adequately informed the community about the project. He pointed out that Grace employees, who live further away, do not face the same risks as those living in close proximity to the plant. Isaiah argued that the council must prioritize the health of Howard County residents over corporate profits, stating, "You have the opportunity to make a wrong a right."

Sental Acharya, a Cedar Creek resident with a background in medical sciences, also spoke in favor of the bill. He highlighted the potential for industrial encroachment in the area, warning that approving the project could lead to further industrial development that would compromise the community's safety and quality of life. Acharya referenced past failures of similar recycling projects, raising doubts about the safety of operating such a facility near residential neighborhoods.

The residents' testimonies painted a picture of a community united in their desire to safeguard their health and environment. As the council deliberates on the proposed bill, the voices of Cedar Creek residents serve as a reminder of the importance of community input in decisions that could have lasting impacts on their lives. The outcome of this hearing could set a precedent for how Howard County balances industrial development with the health and safety of its residents.