SAY NO TO PLASTIC BURNING IN BELLE

What's happening?

A California-based company called Clean-Seas West Virginia wants to build a dangerous plastic waste facility right in Belle, on the old 84 Lumber site. This is just across the tracks from Riverside High School and Public Library.

Why does it matter?

They claim this is “chemical recycling.” But in reality, they'll be burning plastic—right across from our school, library, and neighborhoods. This could pose threats to our kids, our families, or our community.

Why we're concerned

Our Kids Could Be Put in Harm’s Way

The facility would melt 50–200 tons of industrial plastic waste every day, releasing toxic chemicals like volatile organic compounds. These are the same chemicals found in paint strippers and pesticides—linked to headaches, liver damage, and even cancer.

Financially Risky

Clean Seas’ CEO has a history of failed companies and is under federal investigation. Other facilities like this have filed for bankruptcy or lost millions. Do we really want to gamble our community’s future on them?

Paid for with Our Tax Dollars

The state has already handed over $15 million in loans to Clean Seas. If they fail—like so many others have—we’re the ones left paying the bill.

Little Transparency, Big Risks

The company hasn’t shared basic information with the public. They want to truck tons of plastics into our town without telling us how it will affect our health, our roads, or our wallets.

What are the "Stamps of Approval" this facility will need?

Before Clean-Seas can begin operations, they must get approval from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection for how much air and water pollution they’re allowed to create. This is our moment to speak up — to remind decision-makers that our lives, our kids, and our future matter more than another corporation’s bottom line.

Chemical recycling facilities require certain permits before operating.

Below are the permits many chemical recycling facilities need to operate in WV. All have the chance to learn about the proposed pollution, request a public meeting, and make comments so you can have your questions answered, and share your thoughts, concerns, and solutions.