The Athens Port Authority wants to invite CCC Plastics, a resin pellet (nurdles) manufacturer, to lease space in The Plains. While the Canadian-owned company offers unspecified jobs, many believe this potential benefit comes at too great a cost to our community's health, environment, and values. 

Plastic pellet production and storage present well-documented environmental risks (1). Beyond the consequences exemplified by the tragedy in Parkersburg, this facility would contribute to the ongoing ecological crisis that nurdles present by poisoning our waterways, our wildlife, and eventually us (2).

We, the undersigned, demand the Athens Port Authority and the Athens County Commissioners  end negotiations with CCC Plastics. We believe our community deserves economic development that reflects our values: a healthy environment, strong local economies, and long-term sustainability. Athens County has the talent, creativity, and resources to cultivate meaningful careers while protecting our natural resources and quality of life.