Plastic Waste-to-Energy Pyrolysis facility
Key Issues and Developments in Follansbee.
Based on recent reporting, Empire Diversified Energy (EDE) and its subsidiary, Empire Green Generation, are advancing plans for a plastic waste-to-energy pyrolysis facility at the Port of West Virginia in Follansbee. The project has drawn sustained public concern related to potential toxic emissions, environmental impacts, and regulatory oversight.
Pyrolysis and Incineration Concerns
Empire describes the proposed pyrolysis process as “virtually emissions free” and operating without oxygen. However, environmental advocates and technical experts argue that the process functions similarly to plastic waste incineration and poses comparable pollution risks.
Potential Toxic Emissions and Discharges
Opponents have raised concerns about the possible release of hazardous pollutants, including hydrogen chloride, benzene, mercury, arsenic, dioxins, and PFAS. Particular attention has been paid to the risk of air emissions and the potential for contaminated stormwater discharges into the Ohio River.
Permitting and Facility Development
Empire Green Generation has submitted air quality permit applications to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP). The company reported securing approximately $10 million in financing in early 2025 to support final commissioning of the facility.
Empire Trimodal Terminal Status
Another EDE subsidiary, Empire Trimodal Terminal, has faced financial instability in recent years, including the withdrawal of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in January 2026. The terminal remains a key component of industrial operations at the Port.
Stormwater and Environmental Compliance
As a large industrial operation located directly on the Ohio River, the facility is subject to stormwater permitting and pollution prevention requirements, including updates to its Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. Compliance with these requirements is a central concern given the site’s proximity to public waterways.
Groups Urge State to Reject Flawed Water Pollution Permit
Groups issue a formal challenge to a proposed permit that would allow discharge into the Ohio River from the Empire Trimodal Terminal. Reviewers argue the application is incomplete, contains conflicting information about the site and its operations, and fails to account for known pollution risks and past violations. As written, they say it doesn’t give regulators or the public enough accurate information to judge the true environmental impact. They’re calling for the permit to be denied or reworked with full transparency—and for a public hearing so the community has a voice before any decision is made.