Clean Air Calls for Full Investigation into Tonawanda Coke Explosion
Clean Air is extremely concerned about the explosion today at the Tonawanda Coke Plant in the Town of Tonawanda. We understand the company stated this was a minor explosion and a small fire but past self reporting from the company has been inaccurate and has put workers and residents at risk.
Clean Air is calling for a full investigation by EPA, DEC and OSHA to determine the cause of the explosion, what toxins were released into the air, and what workers were exposed to inside the plant. The results of this investigation should be released to the community and workers as soon as possible.
Last year, Tonawanda Coke was found guilty of violating the Clean Air Act and the Resource Conversation and Recovery Act. This landmark verdict is only the second time in US history that a company has been indicted under Title V of the Clean Air Act. The company could face up to $200 million in fines.