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Rockwool responds to “disturbing” threats from some project opponents

RANSON, W.Va. — Rockwool officials are responding to recent threatening behavior relating to their controversial project in Jefferson County.

Expected to bring 150 jobs upon its 2020 estimated completion date, the stone wool insulation plant’s construction has drawn concern from residents in relation to possible environmental impacts. The project’s location is less than a mile from multiple schools.

A recent social media post from one opponent indicating they were going to bomb Rockwool’s Ranson plant once it was in operation was quickly removed. A screenshot of the threat remains under investigation by Ranson Police.

In August, a sign placed by Rockwool near the property was defaced with the words “stop Rockwool by all means”. Company officials also learned of a remark allegedly made the same weekend of the company’s August open house that said, “I wonder what will happen to your wife and son from Frederick (Maryland). “We have the photo from your opening day and we’re 99 percent that’s you.”

“To the opposition’s credit, it took down the bomb threat post from its Facebook page. And several opposition members volunteered to clean our sign when it was vandalized. Those good faith steps are why we believe the majority of project opponents are good people who are acting out of concern for their community.”

“We aren’t asking here for anyone to change their views about the facility. But we are respectfully asking all community members to raise their voice for civility and respect before heated rhetoric leads to violence. We’re confident they’ll agree that while it’s completely acceptable to oppose the plant’s construction, it’s not okay to propose blowing it up with 150 people inside.” – Rockwool

Jefferson County Vision (JCV), a non-profit group of concerned residents, responded by saying they support civil discourse but not threatening behavior.

” JCV has always condemned any threats of violence, and has done so repeatedly both publicly and on the CCARR (Concerned Citizens Against Rockwool) Facebook group. Everyone joining the CCARR Facebook group makes an affirmative commitment to “keep discussions civil and respectful”. We are a respectful group and our supporters even helped clean up the Rockwool sign when it was spray-painted. We do not condone any threats of violence and will not tolerate it among those who oppose the plant.”

Rockwool’s announcement comes less than a week after 11 members and the chairman of the Jefferson County Development Authority resigned, citing the Rockwool controversy as the motive.





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