6:00: Morning News

EPA, Bayer CropScience reach settlement in 2008 blast

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The federal EPA announced a multimillion dollar settlement Monday with Bayer CropScience in connection with the 2008 explosion and fire at the company’s plant in Kanawha County that killed two workers.

The settlement terms include Bayer’s agreement to spend more than $4.85 million to improve safety at its chemical storage facilities across the U.S. while improving emergency preparedness and response at its plant in Institute along with protection of the Kanawha River.

Bayer CropScience will also pay a $975,000 penalty in connection with the deadly explosion, the EPA said.

“The multiple safety failures that existed at this facility that led to a loss of life, demonstrates why safeguards are necessary to protect people’s health and the environment,” EPA mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin said. “This settlement will incorporate worker safety training, as well as emergency preparedness and response capabilities at this plant and a number of other Bayer facilities, ensuring the protection of workers, the public and the environment from accidental chemical releases that are preventable.”

The Aug. 28, 2008, explosion killed workers Barry Withrow and Bill Oxley.

Bayer CropScience has already changed much of its operations at Institute in the years following the deadly blast.

The company has three years to complete most of requirements of the settlement including “inspections to identify potential safety issues and standardize facility safety operating procedures.” Bayer must also conduct emergency response exercises at Institute.

The EPA’S complaint said the company did not comply with its own risk management plan in the time leading up to the 2008 explosion.

“In 2008, a new digital control system was installed, but safety interlock associated with the control system was not properly engaged at startup. Employees were not fully trained to understand or operate the system and failed to follow procedures for sampling, temperature control and flow safeguards. The result was an uncontrollable buildup in a treatment unit causing a chemical reaction resulting in the explosion, fire and loss of life. During the incident, the company delayed emergency officials trying to access the plant, and failed to provide adequate information to 911 operators,” the EPA said.

Bayer CropScience has facilities in West Virginia, Texas, Missouri and Michigan.





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