Recent letters to the editor of this newspaper have accused Photocircuits in Peachtree City of being a potential hazard to the safety of the city's residents.

This debate came to light when Photocircuits went to the city council regarding the approval for additional parking facilities.

In defense of Photocircuits, some officials have called them a "good neighbor" and have downplayed the health risks the plant brings to the city.

It is time for the facts regarding this company and their operations to be brought out into the open so that all citizens can judge the potential dangers this facility brings.

It is understood that Photocircuits uses potentially dangerous chemicals in their operations, and that these chemicals are stored on site. What is not as clear is exactly what types of chemicals are used and stored there, and what types of preparations have been made to deal with any type of release of hazardous fumes or gasses. With that, we can all make our own judgment on whether or not they are a "good neighbor." We need to know the facts.

Several years ago there was a release of a small amount of chlorine gas from Photocircuits, and a number of their employees were exposed to these fumes and some suffered injury. Luckily the release was small enough that it did not affect the nearby Planterra Ridge subdivision, but luck may not be on their side in the future.

One must wonder what additional safety precautions have been taken since that incident, and whether they are better prepared to deal with this type of incident in the future. The citizens who live around the facility are entitled to know this.

We can all hope that we never need to worry about any major incident involving Photocircuits or any other company in the city, but we must also insist that the companies have done everything they can to prepare for the worst. Evacuating a neighborhood the size of Planterra Ridge would be a logistical nightmare, one which we can hope never occurs.

Let's hope Photocircuits is really a good neighbor, and that they are willing to let us all know the facts regarding their facility.