On January 9, 2014, a chemical spill at the Freedom Industries chemical plant near Charleston, West Virginia cut off water to more than 300,000 customers due to more than 7,500 gallons of coal processing chemical MCHM (4-methylcyclohexane methanol) that leaked from a ruptured 35,000 gallon storage tank contaminating Ohio River water. MCHM used to clean coal considered being a harmful chemical if swallowed or inhaled and cause nausea, vomiting and skin irritation. Ironically, the leakage was discovered by the staff of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection that was investigating public complaints about licorice odor coming from the chemical plant. Water contaminated by the spill is flowing West down the Ohio River threatening many more lives unless chemicals are adequately diluted. Many communities downstream including Charleston no more than mile away from the spill depend on water taken from the Ohio River for processing and delivering to its customers. Spill not only cut off portable water but also affecting many lives in terms of lost work, wages, lost revenue for businesses and many other ways.

Federal, state and private law suits claiming damage and holding the company liable are expected to follow soon.