Bayer intends to restart MIC unit

Date:02-08-2011

Bayer CropScience said it is continuing to review the final report and recommendations made Jan. 20 by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board regarding the fatal Aug. 28, 2008, explosion and fire at Bayer CropScience's Institute site.

Company spokesman Tom Dover said, "We will consult with the agency over the coming weeks as we prepare our full response to the final report."

Bayer CropScience is apparently planning to restart its methyl isocyanate unit at the Institute site in the middle of this month. "As noted by the Chemical Safety Board, we plan to restart upon completion of our project," Dover e-mailed on Tuesday. "I'll keep you posted on timing."

Dover pointed out that in accord with the Chemical Safety Board's initial recommendations, "we had a qualified third party review the design for the project. They returned last month to follow up and confirm that all of their recommendations had been incorporated into the project."