West Virginia Chemical Spill
In 2014, gallons of a coal cleaning chemical leaked into the Elk River in West Virginia. Author Angie Rosser recounted the events leading up to the spill and the lasting impact it has had on the community.
Description
In 2014, gallons of a coal cleaning chemical leaked into the Elk River in West Virginia. Author Angie Rosser recounted the events leading up to the spill and the lasting impact it has had on the community.
Bell Ringer Assignment
- According to Angie Rosser, why is Charleston, West Virginia and the Kanawha Valley known as "chemical valley?"
- Describe the condition of the tanks located in this area. What impact have they had on the community?
- What is MCHM?
- How did state authorities discover the issue with the tanks? What was the response?
- What symptoms were people in the area experiencing?
- How was the MCHM contamination in the Elk River treated?
- How did this chemical spill affect the region?
- Explain the outcome this event had on the nation.
Additional Resource
Participants
Vocabulary
- 4-methylcyclohexane Methanol (mchm)
- Containment
- Contaminate
- Corrosion
- Impede
- Oversight
- Plume
- Regulate