Chemicals Seep Into Ground After Blast

Rainbow Farm Products estimates up to 2,000 gallons of a toxic soil fumigant seeped about 4 inches into the ground after an explosion at its chemical plant.

Thursday’s blast critically injured one man and sent eight other plant workers to the local hospital. The explosion ruptured a tank and spilled the liquid chemical metam sodium.

Paul Stewart, 45, of Albion, remained in the University of Utah Medical Center’s burn unit on Saturday with chemical burns over 9 percent of his body, a hospital spokeswoman said.

About 22,000 gallons of the pesticide spilled from the tank.

“It just kind of blew halfway open, like a tuna can lid,” said Pat O’Rorke, state Division of Environmental Quality water science officer.

The green liquid splashed into a large adjacent concrete containment cell, which was a fortunate turn of events, O’Rorke said.

Rainbow must submit a plan to the state agency to clean the mess up. Groundwater contamination is a concern, but the tight clay soil will slow its migration toward the aquifer.

Cassia County commissioners will discuss revoking Rainbow’s operating permit. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will review whether working conditions meet employee safety standards.