Pocatello, Idaho-The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is evaluating tests of a Gas Extraction and Treatment System (GETS) installed by FMC Corp. at the site of its defunct elemental phosphorus plant near Pocatello after toxic pond gas briefly escaped above acceptable levels in May. The FMC plant was operated directly west of J.R. Simplot Co.’s Don phosphate fertilizer plant until December 2001, when it was shut down, eliminating more than 400 jobs. Both plants are on EPA’s Eastern Michaud Flats Superfund Site. No releases of measureable toxic gases have occurred outside the Pond 16S boundaries, and the risk of potential exposure to toxic gases mostly remains with onsite FMC employees covered by their site health and safety plan, EPA officials said. Public access to the site is restricted. GETS is designed to extract highly toxic and reactive gases from under the cap of Pond 16S, one of several onsite ponds enclosing furnace tailings, and treat the gases through the specialized carbon filter system prior to discharge into the air. Treated and discharged gases are then monitored and required to be below levels considered safe for extended exposure by anyone in the immediate vicinity. EPA plans to host public informational hearings next month to discuss Pond 16S and the Eastern Michaud Flats Superfund Site. The meetings will be July 29 at the Fort Hall Business Council chambers and July 30 at the Pocatello City Hall chambers.
Transparency Across the Fertilizer Value-Chain