Goshen facility officials say fire-safety issues addressed; residents press for more transparency

Plant representatives and village officials reported progress on multiple fire-safety concerns at a facility operating under the name Goshen Illinois, but several residents said the answers were incomplete and pressed the village for continued oversight.

Andrew Wheeler, speaking during public participation, told the board that four fire-safety issues raised at a prior meeting have been resolved, including a fully approved emergency action plan and inspection of the sprinkler holding tank by BNF and the village’s consultant. He said the plant’s bi-directional amplifier (BDA) — the internal communications system used in emergencies — has been tested and found functional and that a staffed fire brigade and a certified pumper truck are in place at the site. “We will continue to hire as our operations at the plant grow and we will be updating the fire district on a weekly basis,” Wheeler said, and added…