Jul 11, 2007 7:30 pm US/Eastern
Danvers Chemical Plant Owners Unlikely To Rebuild
DANVERS (AP) ―
The owners of a Danvers chemical factory that exploded in November, destroying the surrounding neighborhood, have agreed to give up their license to store dangerous substances at the site, making it unlikely they will rebuild, the town manager says.
The decision by ink maker CAI Inc. and paint manufacturer Arnel Co. -- who shared the site -- was disclosed as the Board of Selectmen prepared for a hearing next Tuesday on revoking or limiting the license.
"They're surrendering," town manager Wayne Marquis said. "They indicated to me that they didn't want to put the neighbors and the town through this whole difficult hearing."
The companies sent separate letters to Marquis last week stating their intent to give up the license that allows them to store flammable chemicals.
The pre-dawn explosion on Nov. 22 damaged 270 homes and businesses. No one was killed or seriously injured. Investigators determined that the blast, felt up to 25 miles away, was caused when flammable vapors ignited.
Some residents were relieved by the news.
"It's a sigh of relief," plant neighbor David Marcou said. "I had reservations about rebuilding, but I still own the land. I'm not sure anyone would be jumping at the chance to buy it from me if that plant could rebuild."
In its letter, CAI Inc. questioned whether it would be treated fairly at Tuesday's hearing in light of criticism related to May's automatic renewal of the companies' annual permit.
But select board Chairman Michael Powers said the hearing would be based "on the law, not emotion."
Many of the families displaced by the explosion have yet to move back into their heavily damaged or destroyed homes.
(© 2007 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
