Chemical Safety Board Deploying to Site of Chemical Release in Atchison, Kansas

Washington, DC, October 24, 2016 – An investigative team from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) has deployed to the scene of a chemical release that led to a shelter-in-place order for thousands of residents and at least 85 members of the public seeking medical attention in Atchison, Kansas.  

 

The release occurred at a plant owned and operated by MGP Ingredients, the facility produces distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches. 

 

The CSB’s four person investigative team will be led by Supervisory Investigator Johnnie Banks.

 

Chairperson Vanessa Allen Sutherland said, “This incident underscores the very serious consequences that can occur when a chemical release goes beyond a facility’s fence line and impacts nearby residents.” 

 

The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating industrial chemical accidents. The agency’s board members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical accidents, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in regulations, industry standards, and safety management systems.

 

For more information, contact Hillary Cohen at 202-446-8094 or via email at public@csb.gov.