Two dead, two injured at Kansas fertilizer plant

Lawrence-Two workers were killed April 1 at the MagnaGro International Inc. fertilizer blending plant, according to The Lawrence Journal. Another employee and a fire fighter were also injured. According to local reports, at least one of the employees fell into a tank of an unknown substance. A spokesman at the local emergency room said that the ambulance bringing in the victims contained residue of 80 percent cane molasses, which can convert to carbon monoxide in poorly ventilated areas. MagnaGro, a non-conventional fertilizer blender, told Green Markets in the past that it blends water soluble fertilizers and organic products, including humic acid, calcium, and fermented molasses (GM June 9, 2008). MagnaGro also has a history of environmental problems. A year ago owner Raymond Sawyer said he was on the verge of going out of business as he faced huge fines and a one-year prison sentence for unlawfully discharging waste into the city of Lawrence’s sewer system (GM March 2, 2009). Sawyer pled guilty to the charges, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency alleging that the discharges had been going on for ten years. The Kansas U.S. Attorney told Green Markets that Sawyer was eventually sentenced to five years probation. He and the company were fined $240,000. Despite these penalties, Sawyer and MagnaGro were able to stay in business. According to the Journal, Sawyer was in South Dakota when the accident occurred and had no knowledge of it. A message at the company said the plant would be closed Friday, April 2. In 2008, Sawyer’s advice for “ma and pa” businesses was to “get expert help and stay out of trouble.”