Syngenta UK accepts big fine for paraquat leak

Date:03-30-2016

Syngenta has been fined £200,000 after a potentially deadly weedkiller was accidentally released at its Huddersfield plant.

Leeds Crown Court heard at least three and a half tons of highly toxic paraquat escaped from an isotanker while it was being filled on December 12, 2014.

Employee Daniel Morris had accidentally opened a valve which formed part of the coupling apparatus connecting a hose to the tanker, unaware that the dry disconnect coupling was defective.

One of four other valves on the tanker had also not been opened which meant the contents inside, being produced for the Japanese market, had become pressurised.