The City of St. Charles Fire Department responded to a late-night explosion that occurred on Sunday, April 12 at the Findett Corp. building at 8 Governor Drive near Elm Point Road. Findett makes jet engine lubricants and other chemicals used in the production of insecticides.  The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation. One of the company's employees was working the night shift and followed all standard operating procedures.  He is in the process of recovering and expected to be released from the hospital soon.
 
According to Michael Spurgeon, the city’s Director of Administration, the majority of the material burned in the fire was oil from the plant’s hot oil system used to heat the reactors and was not hazardous.  “There were 55-gallon drums of chemical materials approximately four feet away from the reactor,” Spurgeon said, “but they did not catch on fire.  In actuality, the wind and rain that evening helped keep the smoke from the fire out of nearby residential areas.”
 
Spurgeon highlighted the fact that the city’s Fire Department and other local area experts took every precaution immediately following the blast.  “Initially, this was imperative given we didn’t know what was burning in the fire,” he said.  “But as in all situations of this kind, the safety of our citizens, our city employees and the staff at the scene were absolutely a top priority.”
 
Additional clean up was not required at the site on Monday.  “Our firefighters, however, remained on the scene throughout the following day,” added Spurgeon, “to ensure the flames were out.  At that time, inspectors also temporarily condemned the building, placing orange ‘danger, keep out’ signs on the gates surrounding the plant.”
 
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the St. Charles County Hazardous Materials Team were called to further examine the site and surrounding area for any potentially hazardous materials and assess next steps.  No evidence of any chemical contamination has been found at the explosion site.  Pollution experts from Findett's insurance company also found no evidence of leakage.  All containers and tanks at the facility have been found intact with no leaks or spills into the air or in surrounding creeks.
 
The St. Charles Department of Community Development has also sent inspectors to the site for a preliminary structural review.  Heritage Environmental, a private environmental services company, has performed a site assessment and clearance has been issued in order for work to begin in making the necessary facility repairs.
 
Throughout the ordeal Mayor York and Spurgeon have stayed in close contact with City Council members to ensure everyone received consistent, up-to-the-minute details regarding the situation.  “This level of communication was especially important for Mike Klinghammer, representative for Ward 8 and Erv Ermeling, representative for Ward 10.  We wanted to specifically ensure their constituents living or working in the vicinity of the incident were kept informed,” Spurgeon said.
 
Spurgeon concluded by commenting that overall the city was primarily interested in ensuring the peace of mind of its citizens.  “We wanted to let folks know there is absolutely no cause for concern,” he said.  “This incident was handled by everyone involved, both in the public safety and private sectors, in a superb and professional manner.  But more importantly, it’s paramount to note the environmental quality in our city has not been compromised in any way.”
 
Residents and business owners in St. Charles with further questions or concerns should feel free to call the Office of Administration directly at 636-949-3262.