Chemical plant to settle penalties

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - First Chemical will pay the federal government $731,000 in civil penalties for an October 2002 explosion at the company's plant on Bayou Cassotte that was caused by a chemical reaction. The company also agreed to correct violations of the Clean Air Act. Safety experts have implemented safeguards and systems across the entire site to prevent similar incidents. (Source: Mississippi Press, 08/21/09)