Flynn Comments as State Considers Chemical Plant Regulations

AUSTIN — The state is debating more regulations on chemical plants to prevent another tragedy like in West, Texas, almost a year ago. Among those weighing in is state Representative Dan Flynn of Van (pictured). State Fire Marshal Chris Connealy thinks a couple of simple moves would have been able to prevent last year’s accident. Connealy says if ammonium nitrate is to be kept in a combustible facility, fire sprinklers need to be placed in the facility. He says an alternative is to build a non-combustible storage bin. Flynn represents some plant owners who don’t want more regulations. He says, “We used to weld right outside where we stored this, and we haven’t had that many incidences.” There are currently 46 chemical facilities in Texas that house ammonium nitrate and are described as dangerous.