Iowa DNR cites C6-Zero for hazardous violations following Marengo plant explosion
Citing the potential for "another catastrophic event," the Iowa Department of Natural Resources issued an emergency order Friday requiring C6-Zero to remove hazardous materials from its Marengo factory and "cease operations."
Following a Dec. 8 explosion that sent at least 10 people to the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, DNR Director Kayla Lyon wrote in Friday's order that pools of contaminated water are flowing from C6-Zero's factory into the Iowa River.
She said C6-Zero has violated the state's hazardous condition and water quality regulations. Effective immediately, according to the order, C6-Zero must stabilize the factory. The company also must remove and properly dispose of all solid waste on site and remediate the area.
"The facility’s current condition is a clear threat to public health and the environment," Lyon wrote. "Another catastrophic event is possible due to the presence of unknown flammable chemicals and gases remaining inside a damaged building, exposed to the elements."
The order comes in the wake of the Dec. 8 explosion at the factory that sent "10 to 15" people to the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, including two workers who suffered severe burns. Marengo Police Chief Ben Gray said the explosion appears to have occurred after a machine's conveyor malfunctioned.
Founded by Howard C. Brand III, C6-Zero advertises itself as a renewable energy company that breaks down asphalt shingles into fiberglass, gravel and oil. Before opening the factory in Iowa, Brand's business had been subject to environmental fines in Colorado and Texas.
More:What happened in the massive Marengo explosion and fire? Here's what we know.
At the time of the explosion, Gray said, Brand was giving out-of-state investors a tour.
Gray told the Des Moines Register on Monday that, following an Oct. 25 fire at the factory, he and DNR representatives met with Brand in early November to ask what chemicals he used. Gray said Brand declined to answer those questions but he continued to operate for about another month before the explosion.
On Monday, DNR spokesperson Tammie Krausman declined to answer a question from the Register asking why regulators allowed C6-Zero to continue to operate.
More:Marengo plant wouldn't divulge chemicals it used before explosion, police chief says
"C6-Zero believed they met all air quality requirements and that they were exempt from all related permits," Krausman said in a statement Monday. "The department was in discussions with C6-Zero to learn about the manufacturing processes used and what environmental regulations may apply. No final determination on environmental requirements had been made because the facility had not provided all of the information necessary to complete the review."
In justifying Friday's order, though, Lyon pointed to the fact that C6-Zero officials had not been cooperating with regulators.
"Despite repeated information requests from the DNR and meetings in which compliance matters were discussed, C6-Zero and Mr. Howard Brand have failed to comply with Iowa’s air quality, hazardous condition, solid waste and legitimate recycling laws," Lyon wrote. "The facility is not legitimately recycling materials and must ceaseoperations."
More:Explosion, fire in Marengo fuel plant leads to injuries and evacuation
Tyler Jett covers jobs and the economy for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at tjett@registermedia.com, 515-284-8215, or on Twitter at @LetsJett.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Following the Marengo explosion, Iowa DNR cites C6-Zero for violations
