Foy Maloy
I want to talk again about the proposed RYAM 2G bioethanol chemical manufacturing plant a bit more.
Specifically, the risk.
In a small town just north of here, a horrible tragedy occurred 53 years ago. An explosion at the Thiokol chemical manufacturing plant destroyed an entire building killing 29 employees and injuring many more.
Thiokol was similar to RYAM. They were a large property owner, the facility and complex consisted of 36 buildings on roughly 12 square miles of property. They were a large employer in the community and wielded power and influence. It was just another beautiful Wednesday morning in Woodbine, Ga., until 10:53 a.m. Feb. 3, 1971. In the blink of an eye, 29 employees were killed and dozens more injured. Dismembered bodies were found 400 feet from the explosion site. Debris from the explosion was found 4,200 feet from the explosion site. Absolutely horrific.
Could this happen here? What is the accident probability of a chemical manufacturing plant producing 2G bioethanol? What is the percentage of risk? Is it worth it? Do we really need this in a densely populated area? Should Fernandina Beach risk the safety of local residents to “supply the world” with 2G bioethanol?
I will agree, there are differences. The primary product of the Thiokol chemical manufacturing plant at the time was the production of trip-flares used by our military in Viet Nam. The basic component in flares is magnesium, a highly volatile hazardous material that burns at temperatures of 2,500 F.
The Thiokol chemical manufacturing plant was in a relatively rural area limiting casualties. Our local RYAM facility is not. Its property line neighbors are homes and businesses on the congested north end of our island. Not to mention, a stone’s throw from Centre Street and our tourist district. RYAM claims the chemical production plant will be 2,640 feet from residential areas. Thiokol debris was found 4,200 feet from the explosion. Should this be allowed on a highly congested barrier island?
2G bioethanol is highly flammable. The production, storage and transportation of the by-product is dangerous work. That is why the chemical manufacturing plant will have state of the art “robust fire suppression systems.” Just in case. How will the three semi-tractor trailer truckloads per day transporting 2G bioethanol on our roads be protected? What are the transportation safe guards? I know RYAM will be professionally prepared, cautious and protective, but what if?
Is it worth it?
A quick search found three recent fires and explosions at bioethanol plants in the United States. April 2023 in Nebraska, September 2023 in Illinois, and July 2024 in Iowa. Worldwide in the last 10 years, 20 explosions have occurred. So, fires and explosions are part of the process of 2G bio-fuel production.
All city commissioners take, and swear to, an oath when taking office. They “solemnly swear and affirm that I will support, defend and protect the charter of the city of Fernandina Beach.” The city charter specifically addresses public safety.
2G Bioethanol may be “good for the planet,” but is it really good for Fernandina Beach? Is it really worth it? Rayonier owns 121,000 acres in Nassau County and I still say, “not on the island.”
There is a bed-size stone monument at the Thiokol explosion site inscribed with the names of the deceased, all 29 of them. I pray someday we will not have a monument like this on the RYAM property.