KCC: Dow water pollution will not affect sports complex construction.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Kanawha County Commission says West Virginia State University’s lawsuit against Dow Chemical in connection with alleged groundwater contamination will not stop the commission’s exploration of a multi-sports complex at nearby Shawnee Park.
“There’s no health risk to those who are actually playing at the golf course located next door in Institute and there doesn’t appear to be any reason to delay the project for the sports complex,” Commissioner Ben Salango told 580-WCHS Monday afternoon.
The commission and Kanawha County Parks released a joint statement Monday.
Salango said they remain committed to the Institute community to provide recreational opportunities.
It’s also important for the youth in Kanawha County to be able to play there — baseball, lacrosse, football, soccer, those types of sports — so we want to move forward with the project,” he said.
Salango said while “it’s not a surprise there are chemicals in the chemical valley,” he believes WVSU did what it had to do to take protective measures.
The lawsuit, he said, has not created an issue between Dow and the county.
“I don’t think the county’s relationship with Dow has been damaged,” he said.
“This is an issue between West Virginia State and Dow.” A Dow spokesperson previously said in a statement, “It is unfortunate the university chose this path, given our partnership with them over many years.” The county has contacted the state DEP to obtain additional information and studies regarding underground water issues at the school’s campus.