County staff and commissioners approved drafting and sending a county support letter to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the state prison regarding a proposed temporary chemical treatment intended as a faster, better alternative to current practice at the Hamilton site.

Allison said she wanted the county to send a letter that emphasizes public-health concerns and urges DEP and the prison to approve the temporary measure quickly. Joey Goodnight, who discussed recent contact with DEP, said DEP told him it would provide a letter by the start of the next week stating that the proposed treatment is a better alternative to current practice; he cautioned that the prison’s legal department review of that package could be the longest delay.

Joey said the DEP also advised that, if necessary, the county could enforce requirements under its permit but that enforcement would take longer and involve additional steps; he said obtaining permission would be the preferred route to expedite the work. A commissioner said the county should copy the governor’s office if necessary. The commission voted to approve a motion to send a support letter urging quick approval and cooperation among DEP, the prison and county staff.

No permit numbers or specific chemical names were discussed on the record; a staff member said DEP would provide a formal letter describing the alternative and the county would prepare a legal-style letter addressing health issues and urging expedited review.