Martins Ferry and ODNR officials enter Austin Master Services for the first time since April

MARTINS FERRY, Ohio (WTRF) – Martins Ferry officials entered the Austin Master Services facility for the first time since the April floods.

Mayor John Davies informed the public at their recent council meeting that Fire Chief One Ron Hilton and Chief Two Justin Smith would tour the building along with a hazardous materials specialist.

They were also joined by personnel from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

The visit was to make sure that in the event of an emergency, officials had a proper plan in place to navigate the building safely.

”They observed the inside of the building where the pile of waste is, where different hazards would be, because obviously if there’s a fire, they’re going to turn off the gas and electric. So, it’s going to be pitch dark in there and they have to go in there and be able to navigate around. We took our two chiefs in there today. They’re putting together a plan to navigate through the building in case it’s necessary.”

Mayor John Davies – Martins Ferry

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost brought civil charges against parent company American Environmental Partners and owner Brad Domitrovitsch  for allegedly storing radioactive and fracking waste in its Martins Ferry facility beyond the permitted limit back in May.

They have until July 22 ^nd to clean the facility out.

Mayro Davies says that ODNR is prepared to start their months long cleanup on July 23 ^rd.

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