A weekend explosion and fire at a sulfur plant near Irricana, Alta., is under investigation.
The explosion occurred Jan. 25 as the Sulfer Works staff were getting the plant ready to start production this spring. Sulfer Works takes sulfur from natural gas plants and converts it to fertilizer.
Officials from the company were not available for comment regarding the cause of the fire or extent of damage.
David Andrews, who farms south of the plant, was outside doing chores when he heard a loud bang. He thought a wall had collapsed and found out later it was an explosion at the nearby plant. He and his wife Claire could see a cloud of black smoke coming from the plant but said they received no information or warnings from emergency services staff.
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“I was really quite shocked that no one said anything,” said Andrews.
Precautions taken
Southerly winds blew the smoke away from their farm and residents on the other side of the plant were told to keep doors and windows closed.
Officials at the Village of Irricana said an environmental air quality sample showed there were no toxins in the air.
Eight workers were in the plant at the time of the explosion. Three were taken to hospital in Calgary with minor injuries.
When the $20 million plant was first proposed, some local residents took their concerns about environmental problems and excessive water use by the plant to the municipal district of Rocky View. The plant was approved with orders to further investigate and improve its water use and treatment plans.
It was expected to open in March.
