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Resident raises pollution and cancer concerns tied to nearby plastic plant during public hearing
Summary
Robert Sherrill, a White Plains Road resident and cancer survivor, urged the board to investigate alleged emissions and burning at nearby plastic manufacturers, said he had contacted the EPA and has video evidence, and asked what is planned for the industrial tract; staff and commissioners committed to follow up.
During the Adura contract public hearing, resident Robert Sherrill told the board he has experienced skin cancer and linked his illness to emissions he alleges come from local plastic manufacturers, including operations near Paragon Films.
Sherrill said he has spoken to county officials and the EPA and that he has videos showing night burning and visible particulates: "We have videos going back into the winter months when they would burn their stuff off... I still have those videos." County staff (including the county manager) and commissioners responded that they would check EPA records and offered to meet with Sherrill to review his evidence. The county manager said he had not personally told Sherrill to "figure it out," and staff committed to follow up and provide answers about permits and inspections.
Why it matters: The comments raised community health and environmental-quality concerns tied to industrial activity near residential areas and a middle school mentioned by the resident. Commissioners said they would seek information from EPA and county records and invited Sherrill to a follow‑up meeting.
Next steps: Staff to follow up with EPA and county records and to meet privately with the resident to review his evidence.
