West blast brings scrutiny to chemical hazards

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By J.B. SMITH [e-mail]




Anyone trying to pinpoint dangerous chemicals in McLennan County in the wake of the West Fertilizer Co. explosion doesn’t have to look far.

Deadly chlorine gas is stored at more than 60 water treatment plants, often close to neighborhoods. Thirteen companies large and small use 
anhydrous ammonia, which is flammable and corrodes lungs, skin and eyes.


http://www.wacotrib.com/news/greater_waco/west/west-blast-brings-scrutiny-to-chemical-hazards/article_16c8e525-cd4a-5225-b0a0-e4dd6c8846ab.html

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Since the West disaster two months ago, 585 facilities across the state have begun reporting their chemical stores for the first time, including four facilities that carry ammonium nitrate.

According to the DSHS chemical database, no facilities in McLennan County carry reportable amounts of ammonium nitrate.

Nonethless, several local facilities that carry extremely hazardous substances say they take them extremely seriously, often working with local fire departments on safety exercises.
http://www.wacotrib.com/news/greater_waco/west/west-blast-brings-scrutiny-to-chemical-hazards/article_16c8e525-cd4a-5225-b0a0-e4dd6c8846ab.html