COIM Gets Go-Ahead from Planning Board for High-Hazard Use

Chemical manufacturer COIM USA cleared the first hurdle Tuesday night in their plan to add a new product line, getting conditional approval from the West Deptford Planning Board to add another high-hazard production line at their facility on Mantua Grove Road.

COIM representatives said they’re aiming to bring on a solvent-based polyester production line, which will use ethyl acetate, the same solvent they’re already using to produce certain adhesives at the plant, which are already considered part of the high hazard group.

“It’s not a sea change in production,” said attorney Clint Allen, who represents the company. “This is just one more product line we wish to add.”

While it was pitched as just a change, several members of the public raised concerns about potential environmental effects, given the high-hazard rating.

Stephen Langston, who lives in Mt. Royal, across Mantua Creek from the plant, said he was concerned about the potential for a situation similar to what he saw from previous manufacturers at the site, before COIM began operations in 2006–the creek stained with multicolored fluids and dead fish through the stretch near his home.

Langston also raised the issue of noise coming from the direction of the plant, sometimes as late as 2 a.m.

“You’re not being a good neighbor,” Langston said.

COIM representatives defended the company’s environmental and safety record, pointing out that they have long-standing safety and environmental plans in place, including storm water management that filters runoff into the creek, thorough fire suppression systems and scrubbers in the plant's ventilation system to ensure vapors don't escape.

Ted Laarkamp, operations manager for the company, said the state Department of Environmental Protection regularly inspects their operations, and COIM has always satisfied their requirements.

“There’s been no environmental violations whatsoever,” Laarkamp said.

Though the planning board waived a new site plan, given the lack of changes to the buildings, they did add conditions to approving COIM’s use request to add the solvent polyester line, subject to the final report from the board’s planner and engineer, who both expressed general support for the application.

With those conditions, as well the go-ahead from the West Deptford fire marshal, along with other approvals still needed, Laarkamp said it would likely be several months before they could even think about starting production.

“I’d be surprised if there’s anything being manufactured before June,” he said.