In January, Rohm and Haas, Cincinnati facility, formed a Community Advisory Council (CAC) for the purpose of discussing plant operations, environmental, health and safety issues and other concerns with community members. The first meeting was held February 8 at the Reading Municipal Building. The meetings, which are scheduled monthly, are moderated by an independent facilitator. Members include neighbors, city officials, plant employees and local business, school and civic group representatives. Interested persons are welcome to attend as guests of a CAC member. Please contact Ms. Linda Stichtenoth for more information (see back).

This spring, Rohm and Haas plans to install a series of groundwater monitoring wells on its property to determine whether contaminants from past operations are present in shallow groundwater underneath the site. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is overseeing the investigation and any potential future cleanup actions. Most of the wells will be installed on facility grounds, but at least one will be placed near the ball fields adjacent to the plant. Rohm and Haas owns this property, but allows local schools and youth organizations to use it for recreational sports. Installation of this well should not disrupt any community activities and will be coordinated with Reading officials. If you are in the area during the project, you will see a drill rig and workers in protective clothing installing the well and taking soil and groundwater samples. The workers will return at least once to take additional groundwater samples. If you have any questions about this project, please contact Ms. Robin Cole (see back).

Two new employees have joined the Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Department at Rohm and Haas. Eric Walker, the EHS engineer, is responsible for pollution prevention, odor control and a new EHS management system for reducing risks to employees and the community. He previously worked at the Rohm and Haas facility in Knoxville. Mr. Walker has a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Tennessee. Ms. Rebecca Turner, the EHS industrial hygiene administrator, is responsible for compliance with federal safety regulations and corporate safety standards. She previously worked for the Rohm and Haas plant in Louisville and has a bachelor’s degree in math and physics from Morehead State University in Kentucky.

In February, Rohm and Haas celebrated Black History Month by sponsoring an essay contest at Hilltop and Central elementary schools. The winners included Katie Fath, a 4th grader at Hilltop, Alycia Walker, a 5th grader at Central and Amanda Mullins, also a 5th grader at Central. Each student received a plaque and a $100 gift certificate to Borders Books; their teachers received $150 gift certificates.

On September 11, 2000, about 115 pounds of methyl chloride were accidentally vented from the plant to the atmosphere, but dissipated before reaching the facility fence line. The release did not cause any adverse impacts to employees, the community or environment. Appropriate local, state and federal agencies were notified of the release, which exceeded the federal reportable quantity of 100 pounds.

Rohm and Haas recently launched the first external plant website at www.rohmhaas.com/cincy. "Our new website is one way to promote more open communication about our facility with the immediate community," says Plant Manager Bruce Beiser. You can email questions or concerns to the plant or link to other organizations.

Last November, about 45 members of the Rohm and Haas Emergency Response Team (ERT) received training on how to improve emergency response at the facility. The guest speaker was Reading Fire Chief Kevin Kaiser, and the keynote speaker was Steve Burton, ERT leader at the Rohm and Haas facility in Louisville. Team members learned how to use Scott air packs, decontaminate equipment and handle employee injuries. The group also discussed "what if" situations, such as what to do if the incident commander is harmed, if the Scott air packs run out of oxygen before the incident is over or all the radio batteries lose their charge.

Robin Cole,
Manager, Environmental, Safety and Health
Reading Plant
2000 West Street
Reading, OH 45215
733-2154 (phone)
733-2276 (fax)

Linda Stichtenoth, Community
Relations Manager
(513) 733-2213 (phone)
(513) 733-2214 (fax)