Chemical Plant To Pay $1.3 Million in 2006 Danvers Explosion Settlement

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has reached a $1.3 million settlement with C.A.I. Inc., the owner of the Danvers ink and paint plant that exploded five years ago. 

According to an EPA press release, the government projected the $1.3 million settlement, including cash and the net proceeds from sale of the facility property, assuming the property sells for its appraised value.

The EPA said the $1.3 million will be a reimbursement for its $2.7 million in costs of cleaning up hazardous waste after the explosion. C.A.I. Inc. will also pay a penalty of $100,000 to settle allegations that conditions at the plant had violated the Clean Air Act, according to the EPA. 

"This case demonstrates that a failure to implement basic safety mechanisms and follow obligations under the law can have dire consequences," said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office, in a press release. "The extent of damage from this explosion shows why it is so important that facilities follow basic chemical safety practices. Companies that fail to comply with laws that protect public health and our environment will be held accountable."

This year marks the five-year anniversary of the Danvers chemical plant explosion, which happened the night before Thanksgiving in 2006. 

Two hundred and seventy local homes and businesses were damaged in the blast., asphalt pouring, sidewalk paving, and fixing manhole grates and fire hydrants.