Federal regulations, emergency protocols not followed in West
NEWS 8 INVESTIGATES
WEST, Texas –– McLennan County officials did not follow federal regulations requiring public officials to plan for a major chemical incident such as last week's deadly fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas, a News 8 investigation has found.
The finding raises serious questions regarding the decision to send first responders into a potentially explosive situation.
As a community still grieves the 15 killed in the West Fertilizer Co. explosion, some are questioning the planning that, according to federal law, was required to have taken place under the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act.
Each business is required to report its hazardous chemicals to its county. West Fertilizer Co. had, in fact reported its ammonium nitrate to McLennan County. Next, officials are required to set up what's called a Local Emergency Planning Committee.
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http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/Federal-regulations-emergency-protocols-not-followed-in-West-204932411.html
