Some may call it a nightmare before Christmas, after hundreds of workers were laid off six days before the holiday. Erie Coke is a source of jobs but the chemical plant is also a hazard to the environment. Environmentalist and scientists are feeling bittersweet about Erie coke's decision to close.

"To me it's a sad outcome because to me it could have ended differently. When a company is living in a community it needs to respect the rights and lives and the health of the people living in the community," said Pat Lupo, Co-Chair of HECA and Mike Campbell, Local Scientist.

Multiple complaints by environmental groups like Hold Erie Coke Accountable said the chemical plant pollutes water and air, which can be harmful to residents. Although Erie Coke closing wasn't the expected outcome, environmental advocates were reminded of the power that community voices hold.

"One voice matters and many voices together can really affect change,"  said Pat Lupo, Co-Chair of HECA and Mike Campbell, Local Scientist.