KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The company responsible for unleashing a toxic cloud of gas over Atchison County more than three years ago has agreed to a fine for violating the Clean Air Act.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas announced that MGP Products Inc. pleaded guilty to “negligently violating the Clean Air Act,” a misdemeanor, and is expected to pay a $1 million fine.
The company admitted to mistakenly combining 4,000 gallons of sulfuric acid with 5,800 gallons of sodium hypochlorite on Oct. 21, 2016, resulting in a greenish-yellow chlorine gas cloud.
The cloud forced local authorities to evacuate some areas and issue a shelter-in-place order for others.
The U.S. Attorney said approximately 140 people — including the public, first responders and employees at two companies, MGP Ingredients and Harcos Chemicals — sought medical attention as a result of the toxic cloud.
Sentencing for the incident is set for Feb. 24 and MGP Products could face up to five years of probation.
Victims connected with this case — U.S. vs. Midwest Grain Products Inc. — can fill out a victim questionnaire online, leave a message at 913-551-6543 or send an email to usaks.victim.witness@usdoj.gov for more information.
