PSC Wants Shielded Info in West Virginia American Water Probe

West Virginia regulators say they may consider information potentially protected by federal laws in their investigation into January’s chemical spill. The investigation focuses on West Virginia American Water’s response to the incident.

 
At Monday’s state Public Service Commission meeting, Chairman Michael Albert said documents and emergency plans protected by anti-terrorism laws could be deemed essential and considered.

 
West Virginia American Water says many records, including emergency response and prevention plans, are shielded by law or are beyond the investigation’s scope. Many have been requested in civil lawsuits.
 
Businesses affected by the spill, Advocates for a Safe Water System and the PSC’s Consumer Advocate Division disagree. They think some documents aren’t protected and would show how appropriately the water company reacted to the Jan. 9 spill.
 
A PSC order on the matter is expected this week.
 
The Freedom Industries spill contaminated 300,000 people’s tap water for days.
At Monday’s state Public Service Commission meeting, Chairman Michael Albert said protected documents and emergency plans deemed essential could be considered.

West Virginia American Water says many records, including emergency response and prevention plans, are shielded by law or beyond the investigation’s scope. Many have been requested in civil lawsuits.

Businesses affected by the spill, Advocates for a Safe Water System and the PSC’s Consumer Advocate Division disagree. They think some documents aren’t protected and would show how appropriately the water company reacted to the Jan. 9 spill.

A PSC order is expected this week.

The Freedom Industries spill contaminated 300,000 people’s tap water for days.