Agrium Inc. officials are focusing on cleanup rather than decisions about rebuilding in the aftermath of the ravaging fire that broke out in the main part of their fertilizer plant in Hartsville, S.C., Feb. 14 (GM Feb. 21, p. 1), and burned for several days.
“We still have yet to make a decision on the next step while we concentrate on the cleanup, which is progressing very well,” spokesman Paul Poister told Green Markets. “There is still a lot of work to be done, but we feel the cleanup will be completed in the next few weeks.” Poister, who is on the scene from Agrium’s Denver office, said efforts are concentrating on the warehouse, which is a total loss. He said crews are also trying to determine if some of the product in the building can be used at a later time. Other buildings on the site, including the plant headquarters and outbuildings, appear to have suffered minimal or no damage.
Poister said the cause of the fire is still under investigation. He also reported that insurance adjusters have been on the scene to look at the adjoining buildings, and that Agrium is awaiting their report before deciding about the other structures. He added, “The fire chief has come out regularly over the last few days to check on our progress, but the site is now being managed by Agrium.”
While the cleanup was moving ahead, one possible hitch developed last week that wouldn’t prevent rebuilding but could add to the costs, according to Hartsville Mayor Mel Penning. Pennington said the potential problem arose with disclosure that in the process of updating its flood maps, FEMA has included the area surrounding Prestwood Lake, where Agrium’s Rainbow operation is located. Other industries operating on the lake could be affected also, Pennington explained. He said the city has undertaken an appeal of the designation, which, if not reversed would require more insurance and impose additional restrictions.
“So we appealed this flood map on behalf of the city in support of our industries based on the lake,” the mayor reported. “We did a detailed study showing the lake has never breached the 100-year flood plain.” Pennington said waters feeding into the lake are controlled by flood gates, and that the level is monitored and remains in check around the clock.
These and other concerns likely came up at a community meeting scheduled Feb. 24 for any of the residents of the community of 7,500 who have questions about the fire and its affect on them. “We’re hosting this with Agrium to talk publicly about the events and answer any questions folks may have regarding their safety or anything else comes up,” Mayor Pennington explained. “It’s just a part of better communications and transparency to those who live near by the Agrium site and anyone else who is interested.”
Pennington also emphasized that the objective is to keep Agrium in the city and short of that, at least in Darlington County.
In related news, Hartsville officials said they have applied for a $25,000 federal grant to help cover the costs of cleanup.
In addition, newly-inaugurated South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley showed her concerns by driving into town with a police escort. Haley said she was thankful no one was hurt, and that the way the fire was contained was a tribute to first responders. Before her departure she held a press conference with fire department personnel and the area’s representative in the legislature. She also had been in touch earlier with city officials.