German Pellets Update

German Pellets Update...from the meeting on 5/4/17

Fellow Citizens,

A packed house was in attendance to hear from and ask questions of various city officials and German Pellets on the fire and their plans to address community concerns. Though this is a difficult, unusual situation, I believe all involved are trying to get their hand on the situation and resolve the most immediate problem, smoke in our homes and neighborhood, as safely and quickly as possible without making matters worse. To this end, the city's Fire Marshall has issued GP a "cease work order", barring them from doing any work....shipping, or receiving Pellets.

They will only be permitted to do what's necessary to put out the fire, and remove the contents of ALL the silos. Then there will be an investigation into the cause of this fire, and other incidents on this site. GP will be required to put in place equipment to safeguard the community and make the facility's operation and processes safer BEFORE they will be allowed to start operations again.

German Pellets ask that anyone who has been affected by the smoke and dust call their 24 hour manned helpline at 409-200-3313. YOU MUST CALL! This is the first step in GP developing its plan to address the health issues and property damages to residents. And if you haven't already, call TCEQ and file an air quality complaint with the state agency in charge of protecting our air. The number is 409-898-3838.

Many of you want to know about compensation for the medical bills and smoke damage to your homes. GP is gathering information to determine what actions to take, but We have other considerations.

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Since GP is in bankruptcy, it will take a group of affected citizens taking legal action to have the bankruptcy court include our community in any settlement of grievances, as they present a plan to pay their debts.

It must also be remembered that they very likely have some type of insurance protecting them against such liabilities. Again, this will require legal help from those familiar with environmental litigation.

So basically, here's where we stand:

-GP is working to minimize the smoke and put out the smoldering Pellets; -GP has been ordered by the city to "cease work" doing business until it removes ALL the Pellets in ALL the silos; -GP will be investigated, and must install fire prevention equipment to prevent another fire; -GP has a 24 hour hotline for complaints, and questions-409-200-3313; -GP is determining how best to help the citizens impacted by this incident, so it's important that you call the hotline;

What's needed ; -a plan of action to help citizens who's health is at risk and homes aren't habitable, until the fire is OUT;

-engaging the Community with regular updates on the progress of putting out fire, removing Pellets...SAFELY, without further incidents;

-a process to assist with paying medical cost, decontaminating homes and ongoing assistance to area residents;

-what will GP do to prevent fires, etc and comply with city safety codes?

Next update; Legal action by West Side community against GP.

Stay tuned.