Madison, Wisc.-Concerns about soil contamination on the property may delay Agrium Inc.’s plans to demolish and sell the old Royster Clark fertilizer plant located on Madison’s east side, according to city officials. Agrium, which has no plans to locate at the site, closed the facility in the summer of 2005 and recently applied to the city for a demolition permit to help with the sale of the property. The 26.7 acres where Royster Clark manufactured fertilizer for more than 50 years has attracted interest from developers, and state officials have been coordinating such an effort since 2002. But Agrium’s permit application prompted warnings from the state that removal of the structure could expose nitrogen-contaminated soil to rain and snow, which could result in groundwater contamination. Alderman Larry Palm, whose district includes the property, told the local press he had been in favor of tearing down the building, but indicated that the soil problem “certainly changes some opinions that I have,” and that he would not support demolition if it led to further environmental problems. However, Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Hydrolist Richard Graham, who raised the question, said he would approve of the demolition if Agrium removed the building’s floor and any contaminated soil underneath. The city planning commission is expected to decide on the permit at its regular meeting on Nov. 3. In the meantime, Agrium spokeswoman Lisa Parker told Green Markets she didn’t know anything about the soil contamination, but said the company would work with city officials to address this question or any other issues. “We’ll get a better idea Nov. 3 about which direction we’ll be going,” Parker added.
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