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Imperial Sugar CEO talks about aftermath of refinery fire in Georgia(Savannah Morning News (GA) (KRT) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Jul. 24--Imperial Sugar CEO John Sheptor spoke Wednesday about the aftermath of the Feb. 7 explosions and fire at his firm's Port Wentworth refinery. He described the demolition of destroyed portions of the plant, rebuilding plans, safety measures and investigations yet to conclude. He also discussed resumption of sugar operations at the plant, pending legislation and rehiring workers. Here is a summary of his comments. PLANT DEMOLITION: It will be finished within two weeks. The silos are mostly gone. Final debris removal will be coordinated with two investigating agencies that want a look at previously inaccessible areas. REBUILDING COST: Following reports from consultants, it's still on track to be in the $180 million to $230 million range. RECONSTRUCTION FEATURES: The packaging area will be two stories instead of four, as in the old building. The second floor will contain wiring and pipes, which will be on the floor so they will be easier to inspect and keep clean. SAFETY FEATURES: Imperial has hired consultants and will spend millions of dollars to use the best possible equipment, procedures and training. All aspects of safety will be targeted, but there will be a special emphasis on combustible dust. "We have treated worker safety as our top priority ... and will continue to do so." WORKERS: Imperial has rehired all who were able and wanted to resume work. One has chosen to attend veterinary school. Three burn victims -- two employees and a contract worker -- remain hospitalized at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta. They are visited often by other employees, family members and sometimes by Sheptor. THE COMMUNITY: Its support for the workers and their families has not only been generous but also constant. INVESTIGATIONS: A report of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration is scheduled for release Friday. It was due by law no later than Aug 7. There is no legal deadline for findings by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. Its preliminary report is expected to be made public at a hearing in August or September, with a final report expected early next year. CAUSE OF THE DISASTER: Neither agency has told Imperial it knows what caused the fire, but both say accumulation of combustible dust likely was a factor. There were "multiple" explosions, not just one, as some have said. LEGISLATION: Imperial supports, at least in principle, a House-passed bill by U.S. Rep. John Barrow, D-Ga, that would require OSHA to set and enforce national combustible-dust standards. The measure is pending in the Senate. UPCOMING HEARING: Tuesday's session before the subcommittee on employment and workplace safety can accomplish much. But it should focus on controlling combustible dust rather than assigning blame to "particular parties." THE FUTURE: Production and packaging is expected to reach pre-fire levels sometime next year, and Imperial intends to reclaim its share of the sugar market. Sheptor said a fundraiser is planned for Aug. 1. Proceeds will go toward a memorial to be built honoring those lost and injured as a result of the Feb. 7 explosions. To see more of the Savannah Morning News, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.savannahnow.com. Copyright (c) 2008, Savannah Morning News, Ga. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. |