Lackawanna Plant Shut Down; "Explosive" Dangers
2:26 PM, Feb 19, 2011 | 11 commentsTwitterFacebookShareFacebook Twitter Google buzz Del.icio.us Digg Reddit Newsvine Buzz up!Fark it
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Michael Wooten FILED UNDER
WNY News


LACKAWANNA, N.Y. -- The code enforcement officer in Lackawanna was shocked at what he saw on the old Bethlehem Steel site Thursday -- a newly-constructed building that never received permits and four 1,000-gallon propane tanks haphazardly installed.

"If those were to blow up, I think we'd probably lose a quarter of the city," said Steve Bremer, who has worked as code enforcement officer for Lackawanna for 6 years. "We'd have an explosion that they would probably feel in Pennsylvania. Plus, there are also other chemicals on site that could ignite, being very toxic to other people and to residents."

The building was constructed over the railroad tracks, and the propane was used to heat rail cars as they pass through. The heat warms the coke inside the cars, allowing it to be dumped as part of the transport process, Lackawanna officials said.

Mayor Norm Polanski said the companies involved have not responded properly to the city's concerns.

"Our job here in the city is to make sure our citizens are safe, and we are here to make sure that people conform to our laws, our rules here in this community," Polanski said. "You endanger my citizens, our citizens, we're going to take action."

The property in question is now owned by Mittal Steel but is being leased to a company called Coltera. Mittal released a statement to 2 On Your Side:

"ArcelorMittal is aware of this issue with a tenant on the property and is diligently working to ensure it is addressed."

Polanski praised the company that supplied the propane, NOCO, which shut down the tanks as soon as it was informed of the problems. Bremer said the operation will remain closed until all parties involved come together to work out a solution.

"Ignorance is not a defense," Bremer said. "We're here to help people, and if you break the law, we're going to come after you."

2 On Your Side was unable to reach Coltera for comment. Lackawanna officials said the company has not been forthcoming to remedy the situation.

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Just go to Ch 2 News Buffalo and put in Lackawanna propane to view all.

I can not stop thinking about what the reporter said at the end of the TV video:
That Lackawanna had " 8x " more propane than what went off in Buffalo! 8x more, oh boy! Make sure you read the comments too if interested.