(Editor's note: This story is continued from Part I, "MFG and Dalton Blamed" in today's news.)
The federal report noted that the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986 requires the establishment of Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) throughout the country. Under the statute, LEPCs are responsible for helping develop comprehensive emergency response plans that identify hazardous chemical facilities and describe emergency notification, response, and evacuation procedures. The board found that the State of Georgia has not defined clear responsibilities for implementing important requirements of EPCRA, and that Whitfield County does not have an LEPC.
The board made a total of 16 new safety recommendations, including that:
--MFG Chemical improve its process safety programs and emergency response planning.
--The City of Dalton establish, equip, and train a hazardous materials response team and improve its emergency operations planning and fire and police department procedures and training.
--Whitfield County form a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).
--The Governor of Georgia clearly designate responsible agencies for implementing federal emergency planning and risk management requirements.
--Lyondell Chemical Co., which supplied MFG with the toxic allyl alcohol, more closely examine the chemical process safety programs of potential new customers.
--The Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association (SOCMA), of which MFG Chemical is a member, develop new safety guidance for "tolling"--the practice of contracting out the production of specific chemicals.
The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating industrial chemical accidents. The agency's board members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical accidents, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in safety management systems, regulations, and industry standards.
The CSB does not issue citations or fines but does make safety recommendations to plants, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA.
