Syrah Technology’s announcement Monday during a Natchez Now meeting that a buyer of the company’s product is considering moving to the Miss-Lou is good news.

Industries typically bring other supporting industries to an area and before you know it 25 jobs could turn into 50 jobs.

Ever since Syrah announced its decision to locate in Vidalia, however, many residents have expressed concerns about the environmental safety of the company’s product, spherical graphite, that is used in the battery industry.

Opportunities have been few, if any, for residents to express those concerns to company officials and have direct responses to their questions.

In addition to environmental concerns, other community questions focus on Vidalia’s infrastructure, water and sewer, and the city’s capacity to accommodate the industry. Economic developers and Town of Vidalia leaders have said the business brings with it no significant environmental hazards or concerns.

Some residents’ concerns could easily be cleared up by bringing in the proper environmental quality professionals to answer the questions publicly and by having company officials on hand to share hard figures on the production and associated byproducts.

When those close to the project quickly dismiss concerns as rumors and innuendo, the approach does little to quell the fears and only serves to fuel more rumors and innuendo.

Therefore, we urge Syrah leaders, area economic leaders, city and environmental leaders to consider hosting an open forum or presentation to address people’s concerns and hopefully put the rumors to rest. In the end, more communication likely could end the concerns and help us all focus on making the community better.