Source: SKY NEWS
Dozens of plants that store a chemical which
caused a massive explosion in a Texas town in 2013 are still in
operation close to schools, hospitals and residential neighbourhoods,
federal regulators have warned.
In a report released ahead of a public meeting on Thursday,
the Chemical Safety Board said there are 80 plants in Texas that store
more than five tons of ammonium nitrate.Half of them are fertiliser plants similar to West Fertilizer Co where a fire led to a devastating explosion that killed 15 people, injured hundreds more and flattened part of the town on West.
The report states: "The risk to the public from a catastrophic incident exists throughout the state of Texas."
Nineteen plants which store fertiliser-grade ammonium nitrate operate within a half-mile of a school, hospital or nursing home, according to the report.
More than 30 of them are also within a quarter-mile of a home or apartment building.
The explosion caused around $100m in damage, with another $230m in insurance-related losses.
Regulators say the way the fertiliser was stored - with combustible materials nearby - coupled with a lack of ventilation were contributing factors behind the blast.
The report also cites a failure to carry out safety inspections at the plant, shortcomings in the emergency response and poor land planning which allowed development to take place around the plant over a number of years.
Twelve emergency personnel were among those killed in the explosion.
The report revealed that an incident command centre was not established and there was a lack of understanding about the possibility of an explosion.
Faulty electrical wiring, a short circuit in a golf cart stored at the plant or arson are thought to have started the fire.
The owner of the plant has not responded to the report. West Mayor Tommy Muska and West Fire Chief George Nors Sr also declined to comment.
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