Plans to locate a chemical plant in Augusta are closer to reality.
A city engineering committee has approved a rezoning request for the plant.
The company Southern Ionics would manufacture aqua ammonia, a chemical used to reduce air pollution in smokestacks.
The company would also transport sodium bisulfite solution, which is used in wastewater treatment.
Gill Craig, the plant manager for Southern Ionics in Augusta, says the company has strict safety guidelines.
"I think a lot of it goes with the level of oversight that the federal and state governments have over industries such as ourselves and number two they understand the type of company we are and the safety record we do have," says Craig.
But some neighbors in the area worry about their safety, fearing a chemical accident.
The company manufactures chemicals in five southern states.
It currently operates a temporary facility for the transloading of sodium bisulfite in Augusta.
The issue will go before the Augusta Richmond county commission on January 15.
