A company which wants to store 2,500 tons of an explosive chemical in Medway has denied claims by local politicians that it is “a disaster waiting to happen”.
Chemical firm Arcelor Mittal Kent Wiren has asked Medway council for permission to keep ammonium nitrate at Chatham Dockyard.
This week the Deputy leader of Medway’s Lib Dem group Andy Stamp urged council chiefs to reject the proposal, saying it would place hundreds of lives in danger.
Cllr Stamp said he feared a repeat of the 2001 Toulouse disaster in France, when a smaller quantity of the chemical exploded, killing 31 people and destroying 50 homes.
But an Arcelor Mittal spokesman said there was no danger.
He said: “We have designed this application in accordance with the strictest safety regulations, which will be further tested in the course of the planning process. “
We are confident our application represents no danger whatsoever.”
Cllr Stamp, who represents Gillingham and Rainham, said: “I am extremely concerned about storing such huge quantities of this substance so close to homes and the new police headquarters.
“It is absolute madness and a disaster waiting to happen.
“We should learn from Toulouse. Dozens were killed and homes destroyed, yet much smaller quantities of the chemical were involved.”
Fellow Lib Dem Maureen Ruparel said: “I’m appalled that this could even be considered in such a densely populated area, especially considering its proximity to the police station.
“Any fire or explosion could take out the very service which would be needed to control the emergency situation.”
Ammonium nitrate is commonly used as fertilizer but has also been used to make explosives and can be dangerous if stored incorrectly.
Arcelor Mittal Kent Wire’s plans were submitted to Medway council as a hazardous substances application.
The council must consult with other agencies and wait for advice from the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency before making a decision.
POSTED: 14/05/2008 10:45:00