The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mid-Atlantic Region hosted a community meeting in Fairmont, West Virginia, to discuss the ongoing emergency response at the Fairmont Brine Site. The event, held at the West Virginia State Office Building, included representatives from state and local government as well as environmental advocates.
Over 80 attendees were briefed on decontamination efforts and radiological risks associated with Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (TENORM). These materials are naturally occurring radioactive substances that have been concentrated due to human activities such as manufacturing or mineral extraction.
Key topics addressed during the meeting included radiation's impact on human health and ongoing response and removal activities. The West Virginia Department of Health (WVDH) Office of Environmental Health Services presented information about the state's radiological health program. The EPA's Superfund and Emergency Management Division reported elevated levels of TENORM, including Radium 226, at the site.
The EPA also highlighted its transparency efforts through the Joint Information Center (JIC), which coordinates communication with the public via a hotline, website updates, and community meetings.
Jason Frame from WVDH provided insights into radiation concerns during the session. Additionally, a statement from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry was shared: “While it is possible that the Fairmount Brine site might have posed a risk to trespassers in the past, the Fairmont Brine Unified Command believes that the current radiological risk to the public has been significantly lessened.”
The meeting underscored EPA’s dedication to transparency and community engagement regarding technical issues related to Superfund sites.
Further details about response actions can be found on EPA’s website. Community members can contact John Brakeall or Chris Wagner for more information.
