If you are new to this diary topic and did not catch part 1, here is the link. Part 1 I haven't found out much more information since then, but what I have is cause for some concern. What I heard was from a recent news report, it was much later that night. The news report After listening to this report I realized that I live a couple blocks away from a plant that produces plastics.
More to come below.
I also found it slightly disturbing that the idea of returning to work anytime soon was even mentioned. There obviously was a problem that caused a fire that destroyed a substantial portion of the building. The entire boiler room looks a mess, I've walked over there to see. I find the idea of reopening the place any time soon scary.
My heart goes out to the workers who are currently not working, and to their families. I also hope that they are able to return to work, but not before the place is rebuilt in a safer fashion. This factory directly abuts a residential area. Many many people live near me, I am not an isolated person or family near this plant. If the chemicals had caught it would have been a lot more than workers harmed. To me the risk of reopening a place that recently caught fire with out major renovations is simply horrifying. ESPECIALLY BECAUSE IT IS IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. Which leads me to my next point.
How is it ok to zone a residential neighborhood for a chemical plant. I just want to know how that is ok. I thought it was some light industry place that made some benign stuff that couldn't really hurt me if stuff went wrong. I was dead wrong. The flames from burning chemicals cause caustic smoke. We (the community) probably would have had to be evacuated from our homes had the fire reached the chemicals, but it didn't appear any plan for that was in place. Given that we the residents didn't even receive warnings once the fire had begun lets me know that living near this plant is unsafe. I'm pretty sure that burning plastics or plastic components is bad for the health. I'm pretty sure that health risk would not be contained to the plant. I am also pretty sure that the whole community should be officially warned of this danger.
I fear that the company will try to reopen the plant as soon as possible. I fear that if this happens they will simply buy a new boiler and make patchwork repairs. I've heard of companies doing such things. You know like cutting corners. And because of that I fear for the workers lives, my neighbors' lives, and my own life.
Thank you for hearing out my concerns yet again. Love ya guys/ladies. Hit me up with some comments, I like hearing all your perspectives.