Howard County residents push for protections against recycling plant

BALTIMORE - Howard County residents came out in full force Thursday to push for protections as Maryland-based chemical company, W.R. Grace & Co., aims to build a pilot plastics recycling plant for research that borders their neighborhoods.

The group "Stop Grace Plastics Permit" submitted a Zoning Regulation Amendment to Howard County's Planning Board, calling for greater setbacks for research activities that require a Maryland Department of the Environment emission permit.

On Thursday evening, dozens of people, largely from Columbia's River Hill and Cedar Creek communities, went before board members to plead for a recommendation that would require a 1,800-foot buffer in certain scenarios between new research and development facilities and residential areas.

"We're just asking to keep these people in a safe environment," Howard County resident Anwer Hasan said. "That's all we're asking."

For more than two hours, the board heard testimony from residents, including some children who live near the proposed site.

"Ultimately, a research and development facility like this one doesn't belong next to a residential community," resident Lisa Krausz said.

The Planning Board will make recommendations on the ZRA, which will then be sent to the County Council.