West Virginia officials announced on Apr. 22 that multiple state agencies are working together to respond to a chemical incident at the Ames Goldsmith Catalyst Refiners facility, located along the border of Nitro and Institute in Kanawha County. The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security’s Emergency Management Division, the Department of Health, and the Department of Environmental Protection are collaborating with local emergency management teams.
The response involves EMD personnel stationed at the county’s Command Center to provide operational support, while the Department of Environmental Protection is assisting with decontamination and disposal efforts. Officials said they continue to monitor developments and are prepared to send more resources if needed.
Several individuals affected by the incident are receiving treatment at area hospitals. State agencies have stated their readiness to assist those impacted by the event. Residents living nearby have been advised to follow Personal Protective Measures issued by Kanawha County for safety updates.
Jim Justice, who was elected as a U.S. senator from West Virginia according to his official website, has drawn on his experiences as a lifelong resident of West Virginia in his senatorial role according to his official website. Justice previously served as governor of West Virginia with a focus on economic growth according to his official website and champions youth programs and constituent engagement through his office according to his official website. He obtained both an undergraduate degree and an MBA from Marshall University according to his official website, where he also captained the golf team according to his official website.
Officials say ongoing coordination among state departments will continue until all hazards from the chemical incident have been addressed.