Consultant to Look at Gelman's Data

Consultant to look at Gelman's data

The Scio Township Board of Trustees has voted to hire a consultant to review a study proposed by Gelman Sciences Inc. Gelman’s study is designed to determine what concentration of 1,4-dioxane can safely be discharged into Honey Creek, which runs through the northern half of Scio.

A group called the Gelman Site Review Committee asked the township to hire the consultant. The group is concerned that wells along the creek may become contaminated if Gelman is allowed to discharge treated groundwater containing a higher concentration of dioxane than is found in drinking water. Gelman is in the process of cleaning up dioxane in groundwater around its Scio Township plant.

The township board voted 5-0 on Wednesday to spend up to $2,000 to hire a consultant. “We want someone to review the data and answer the question - does this thing make sense,” said township Supervisor Robert Tickle. “Is it a sound study, or is it flawed from the beginning.”