According to recent reports, the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority is looking into a welcoming a company that would recycle lubricant oil into their county lines. However, the authority’s vice chairman, Frank Amerson, opposes this decision for fear of the environmental and health implications it could have on the community. The company in talks to establish themselves in Macon, Georgia, is Green Renewable Oil, a Massachusetts based company who is partnered with Sequoia Energy & Environment. The plant is in negotiations to be in the Allied Industrial Park in South Macon and would focus on removing toxins, such as benzene, from motor oil.
Amerson’s concerns not only stem from the fact that benzene is a known carcinogen that could be emitted throughout the community, but also because the company has failed to answer questions regarding how they are going to be handling the benzene to prevent exposure. He also states that a Nevada re-refinery that uses the same technology as Green Renewable Oil and Sequoia plan to use, have been under much scrutiny recently due to environmental violations.
Meeting Hoped to Expose Truth Cancelled
Amerson had reportedly planning to bring the facts to the table at a meeting with the industrial authority’s Properties Committee later this week. But the meeting was cancelled after Green Renewable Oil representatives backed out. Due to the cancellation Amerson met with the vice chairman of the economic development commission to voice his concerns publicly.
About a dozen similar refineries exist across the state of Georgia and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division Web site claims these refineries emit chemicals that can contribute to the ozone and climate change. These chemicals, such as benzene, are also linked to various forms of cancer, lung problems, and other health conditions. As of now the talks of the refineries existence in Macon seem to be moving forward, though Amerson and other environmental officials hope to put a halt on this reestablishment for the good of the environment and the people.