Sugar Refinery Starts Up

More than a year after a deadly explosion, the Imperial Sugar Company in Port Wentworth near Savannah is back in the sugar business.
On Tuesday, employees fired up the boiler. They plan to start shipping liquid sugar this week. A week later shipments of crystal sugar will follow.
Back in February of 2008 an explosion ripped through the plant, killing 14 people. Investigators determined the blast was caused by an accumulation of sugar dust that ignited like gunpowder.
The company is in the midst of rebuilding the facility at a cost of more than 200-million dollars. The majority of those costs will be paid by insurance. The company's 350 employees have been working on getting the plant ready. Several lawsuits filed by victims of the explosion are still pending.

Imperial Resumes Sugar Refining In Georgia

For the first time in 16 months since a deadly explosion at its plant, Imperial Sugar has resumed refining crystal sugar in Georgia. Top executives with the Texas-based company are scheduled to mark the new startup of the nation's second-largest sugar refinery today in Port Wentworth near Savannah. The explosion at the plant on Feb. 7 of last year killed 14 people.

With new administration, new rules coming on deadly dust

The Obama administration is putting its stamp on workplace safety regulations, announcing a crackdown on combustible dust, the cause of last year's deadly explosion at Savannah's Imperial Sugar refinery. Fourteen people died and dozens were injured in the blast.

Officials with the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration announced a "comprehensive rulemaking" process for combustible dust. The action could result in regulations for combustible dust. The hazard is currently regulated under broader, less specific regulations.

“Over the years, combustible dust explosions have caused many deaths and devastating injuries that could have been prevented,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. “OSHA is reinvigorating the process to ensure workers receive the protection they need while also ensuring that employers have the tools needed to make their workplaces safer.”

Last year, the U.S. House passed legislation that would have required OSHA to beef up its combustible dust regulations. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board recommended in 2006 that the agency pursue such new regulations. But the legislation stalled in the Senate when the Bush administration made it clear that the President would veto it.

Imperial Sugar responded to the rulemaking process with an embrace.

"Imperial applauds this action as a milestone step toward elevating the awareness of this industrial hazard and the clear articulation of best practices," says Imperial President and CEO John Sheptor. "We have advocated for such a regulation since our February 2008 Georgia tragedy as a critical catalyst to transform the way that dust is managed across numerous U.S. industries."

OSHA fined Imperial Sugar $8.8 million because of what they agency said was egregious violations of workplace safety regulations. Victims of last year's disaster and their families are suing the company. The plantiffs' lawyers have said new regulations would not have prevented the explosion because Imperial Sugar ignored existing regulations.

Imperial Sugar has appealed the fine. A company spokesman recently outlined worker safety steps the company took before the explosion. These included $1.7 million in safety upgrades.

Imperial warned of dust hazards years before explosion

Fourteen people died as the result of an explosion at the Imperial sugar refinery near Savannah last February. Six months later, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration determined dust was the culprit. OSHA says Imperial Sugar managers knew of the problem for years and refused to fix it. OSHA slapped the company with an 8.7 million dollar fine. Victims filed their own lawsuits.

Now, today the Savannah Morning News publicized reports showing consultants warned the company of the hazards years before the blast.

From a 2005 report: “One major problem is still the strength of dust extraction. This is so weak that the powder sugar is not transported away from the machine.”

A subsequent 2006 report reads, “The system is plugged up… the units you have were state of the art… in the early 60’s.”

And another report obtained by the Savannah Morning News says that in 2008, one of six collection systems had major difficulties collecting explosive sugar dust.

Brent Savage represents 12 of the victims. "The fact that they were advised to get new dust collectors and didn’t do it," says Savage. "They were not doing the right thing… they were indifferent to these problems." Savage says his clients are angry.

Imperial Sugar says it didn’t receive the 2008 findings until after the explosion, and as for other reports… speaking on behalf of Imperial Sugar, Steve Behm issued this statement via email: Imperial did take action in terms of repairs and maintenance to its dust collection systems prior to the February 7, 2008 explosion, along with many other efforts towards improving safety at the facility.

Imperial Sugar has appealed OSHA’s fine. Savage says that case will likely be tied up in courts until 2010, but he expects the victims' lawsuits to move forward by the end of the year.

No Questions For Chambliss In Imperial Sugar Case

Georgia U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss will not have to answer questions from a lawyer suing Imperial Sugar on behalf of victims of the refinery explosion last year. Chatham County judge Hermann Coolidge issued a one-paragraph ruling that effectively stops a subpoena issued for Chambliss to testify under deposition. Savannah attorney Mark Tate wanted to question the Senator on whether Imperial Sugar sought Chambliss’ help to defend the company. The February 7th, 2008 explosion at the Port Wentworth refinery killed 14 workers and injured dozens more. Senate attorneys had argued the U.S. Constitution gives Chambliss immunity from taking questions on business in civil lawsuits.

Imperial Sugar victims remembered on the explosion's anniversary

Imperial Sugar memorial service. (Photo: Orlando Montoya)

Saturday marked the first anniversary of one of the worst industrial disasters in Georgia history.

About 400 people gathered at the Imperial Sugar refinery near Savannah to remember the 14 workers who died in an explosion and fire there on February 7th, 2008. Company President John Sheptor dedicated a park remembering the victims.

"We are calling this ground Legacy Park," Sheptor told the audience, who heard gospel music and Bible readings during a 90 minute program."This plant and this company have much to remember. We have endured struggles, hardships, hard labors and tragedy."

Federal investigators blamed the explosion on an excessive buildup of combustible sugar dust, later issuing Imperial one of the largest health and safety fines in U.S. history. The company is still contesting those fines and a rash of lawsuits filed by victims.

Legacy Park is located in a shady corner of the hulking plant's property. It has a simple stone marker for each of the victims. Still to be finished is a statue depicting outstreached hands and doves. Saturday's ceremony included a release of 14 doves.

Dire economy led Georgia news in '08

The vast economic crisis has left scores of Georgia's houses empty, its banks shuttered and sent thousands of its residents searching for jobs even as its unemployment rate balloons to heights not seen since Ronald Reagan was president.

The nationwide recession was the top Georgia news story of 2008, according to state editors and news directors voting in The Associated Press' annual survey.

Other stories high on most lists included an energy crisis that sent gas prices on a roller-coaster ride, the U.S. Senate runoff that thwarted Democratic plans for a super-majority in the Senate and the months-long trial of courthouse gunman Brian Nichols.

Yet the economic doldrums was the top choice for seven of 12 Georgia AP members participating in the news cooperative's survey.

Georgia residents began feeling the economic fallout early this year as a growing number of homes remained unsold and credit grew tighter. Firms fired workers, governments furloughed staffers, foreclosures spiked and the state unemployment rate soared to 7.5 percent - the highest in 25 years.

The bleak economy forced regulators to close down five state banks, and led Gov. Sonny Perdue to order spending cuts of at least 6 percent to narrow a deficit that could top $2 billion in 2009.

The new year is unlikely to bring much relief. State economists warn unemployment will climb higher and housing prices will continue to plummet through the first half of 2009.

Volatile energy prices were the No. 2 story of the year. The topsy-turvy fuel market sent the price of crude soaring to as high as $150 a barrel in July before crashing to $33 this month.

The jump in prices, which soared after Hurricanes Gustav and Ike shuttered Gulf Coast refineries, sparked panic among Georgia drivers. Gas stations advertised fuel at $8 a gallon, while some drivers camped out at gas stations to be first in line for new deliveries.

Georgia's seemingly endless U.S. Senate campaign notched the No. 3 spot.

Residents headed to the polls four times to vote on the Senate contest, beginning with the July primaries and ending with a Dec. 2 runoff when Saxby Chambliss was elected to a second Senate term. The Republican's victory over Jim Martin deprived Democrats of a 60-seat filibuster-proof majority.

The conviction and sentencing of Brian Nichols for a deadly shooting spree that began in the Fulton County Courthouse was the year's No. 4 story.

After more than three years and a tangled trail of legal delays, a jury found Nichols guilty of murder. But it deadlocked over whether he deserves the death penalty, forcing a judge to sentence him to life in prison without parole. Now some legislators are intent on changing the state's death penalty rules.

The stubborn drought still squeezing parts of the state emerged as the No. 5 story of the year. While a soggy December helped elevate most of the region from the epic conditions, much of north Georgia - including devastated Lake Lanier - remains in a "severe" drought.

The No. 6 story was the deadly explosion at the Imperial Sugar refinery in February near Savannah that killed 14 workers and injured dozens more. Investigators determined the blast was caused by sugar dust that ignited like gunpowder in the plant's storage silos.

The presidential election, which dominated national headlines, was voted the No. 7 story in Georgia. Democrat Barack Obama's campaign recruited thousands of volunteers focused on turning the state blue, but Republican John McCain managed to claim Georgia's 15 electoral votes.

The No. 8 story of the year broke just hours after New Year's Day.

Meredith Emerson was abducted while walking with her dog that day in the north Georgia mountains, and police later found her body. Authorities soon arrested Gary Michael Hilton, who is now serving a life sentence after pleading guilty to her murder.

The Delta Air Lines merger with Northwest Airlines took the No. 9 slot, as the combination made the Atlanta-based carrier the world's largest airline. It completed a remarkable turnaround for Delta, which had filed for bankruptcy in 2005.

Clayton County's education woes was the year's tenth-ranked story. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools revoked the county's accreditation after it failed to meet a range of recommendations. More than 3,200 students have since bolted.

Stories close to making the list included convicted murderer Troy Davis' efforts to get a new trial and avoid execution, a legislative session that again ended in gridlock and an explosion at a Dalton law firm that killed the person responsible and injured four others.

(AP)

Imperial returns to operation; CEO defends Chambliss

Imperial Sugar's chief executive says his company never tried to enlist Sen. Saxby Chambliss to help it avoid blame in the February refinery explosion that killed 14 people in coastal Georgia. Imperial Sugar CEO John Sheptor told reporters in Savannah Wednesday that the Republican senator has shown "integrity and character" in his response to the tragedy. Chambliss, a Republican who faces a Dec. 2 election runoff, is fighting a subpoena by a Savannah attorney who wants to question the senator about whether Imperial Sugar persuaded him to harshly criticize a whistleblower testifying at a July Senate hearing. Attorney Mark Tate also accuses Chambliss of trying to discourage victims from suing the company. Chambliss has denied the allegations. His attorneys say the Constitution gives Chambliss immunity from testifying.

Imperial Sugar's coastal Georgia plant is operating again for the first time since a February explosion killed 14 people and injured dozens more. Company CEO John Sheptor said Wednesday the refinery in Port Wentworth resumed producing liquid sugar earlier this month and on Thursday will receive its first shipment of raw sugar since the explosion nearly 10 months ago. Imperial Sugar executives and employees celebrated Wednesday as they broke ground on a new 75,000-square-foot packaging plant to replace the one destroyed by the blast, which investigators determined was caused by dust igniting like gunpowder. Sheptor said the refinery should resume producing crystalized sugar in early 2009 and all new construction should be finished by next fall.


(Associated Press)

Sen. Chambliss resists subpoena in sugar case

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss is resisting a subpoena in a lawsuit against the Savannah-area sugar refinery where 14 people lost their lives in a February explosion. Families of dead and injured workers are suing the management arm of Imperial Sugar for losses stemming from the blast. In hopes of bolstering their case, their attorney wants Senator Chambliss to release information that company officials gave him.

The Senator says, because of his political office, he doesn't have to testify. Mark Tate represents the families. Tate says, "What we have going on here, it begs the question, 'What does Saxby have to hide?'"

A Chambliss' spokeswoman isn't talking about the issue, but Chambliss friend, Augusta attorney David Hudson, is. Hudson says, the Senator has no choice. Hudson says, "He might even like to testify just to clear the air, but under the rules of the Senate, he should not do so." Hudson says, the Constitution also protects Chambliss.

Ultimately, a judge will decide if the Senator will have to appear in a case with lots of potential for political fallout. Chambliss is currently fighting for re-election of his Senate seat against Democratic challenger Jim Martin.

Imperial Sugar begins rebuild in Port Wentworth

Imperial Sugar has broken ground on portions of its Port Wentworth refinery devastated by a deadly explosion. The blast damaged three storage silos beyond repair and completely destroyed a packaging plant. Fourteen employees were killed and dozens more injured in the February blast. Investigators blame the explosion on a buildup of combustible sugar dust.

Wednesday's groundbreaking makes good on a company promise, made just days after the explosion, to rebuild. Workers are being retrained to work in the new facility. Imperial Sugar hopes to complete construction by the summer of next year.

Meanwhile, an 8.7 million dollar fine hangs over the plant. The federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration recommended the fine for egregious violations of safety standards.

Sugar refinery blast victim dies in Augusta

Another one of the victims of the Imperial Sugar Refinery explosion in Port Wentworth has died, bringing the death toll from the blast to 14.

Malcolm Frazier, 47, died from his burn injuries early this morning.

Frazier had been in critical condition for more than six months at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta.

One patient remains in critical condition.

'Graduation' for group of sugar refinery workers

Two dozen employees of the Imperial Sugar refinery near Savannah had a ‘graduation’ of sorts last night. The group of workers received certificates for their completion of a training program run in connection with Savannah Technical College. The workers completed 180 hours of training since June in a program to upgrade job skills. The program follows the deadly explosion at the Imperial sugar plant six months ago in Port Wentworth.

Chambliss blames sugar refinery whistleblower

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss -- already facing heat for sharply questioning a whistleblower in a fatal sugar refinery accident outside Savannah -- toughened his criticism Friday by blaming the employee for the February explosion which killed 13 workers. Chambliss has suggested that vice president of operations Graham H. Graham, is trying to deflect his own responsibility by accusing Imperial Sugar Co. executives of resisting safety warnings about the company's plant in Port Wentworth. Graham worked at Imperial for just three months before the accident and says he repeatedly warned executives that the plant was dangerous.

Executive describes dangerous conditions at sugar refinery

An executive at the Imperial Sugar Company said Tuesday that he found conditions at a Savannah sugar refinery "so shocking" that he recommended firing the plant manager. The refinery later exploded, killing 13 people.

The comments of Imperial Sugar's Vice President of Operations, Graham Graham, came at a hearing of a U.S. Senate subcommittee on workplace safety. Graham says, he toured the company's refinery in Port Wentworth near Savannah after assuming his position in November.

In his Senate testimony, Graham says, he found plates missing on electrical gear, piles of discarded sugar and other materials littering the facility and "dirty and dangerous" conditions that constituted a "combustible environment." He recommended firing the plant manager. Graham says, he also toured the company refinery in Gramercy, Louisiana and found similar problems.

The Senate was also scheduled to hear from the head of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which last week blasted Imperial Sugar with $8 million in proposed fines.

Imperial Sugar Co exec to testify

An executive with the Imperial Sugar Company is expected to testify later today to Congress about conditions at the Georgia plant that led to a deadly February explosion. The vice president of operations for Imperial will testify along with several other safety experts--those including the head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the chair of the U.S. Chemical Safety Board. A Senate subcommittee has been examining the accident at the Port Wentworth plant after federal investigators found numerous safety violations. Just last week, OSHA proposed nearly nine-million dollars in fines.

Imperial Sugar fined $8.7 million

The day of reckoning appears to be nearing for Imperial Sugar. The company's Savannah sugar refinery exploded in February, killing 13 people and injuring scores more. Three-workers remain hospitalized. Today, after a nearly six-month investigation, officials from the Occuaptional Safety and Health Administration issued their findings and proposed fines.

If they stick, the fines would be the third-largest in OSHA history: $5 million for alleged violations at the Imperial Sugar refinery in Savannah and another $3 million for violations at the company's refinery in Gramercy, Louisiana. Many of these violations relate to a build-up of combustible sugar dust. OSHA Assistant Secretary Edwin Foulke expressed outrage over what he called Imperial Sugar's "complete disregard" for its workers' safety.

"Imperial Sugar managers had been repeatedly informed of serious combustible dust hazard at the facility as early as 2002," Faulke says. "While the company took steps to determine what hazards were there, they took no reasonable action to fix the problems."

In all, OSHA found 120 violations at the Savannah refinery, including 61 "egregious" violations. The agency says, the refinery had electrical hazards, fall hazards, machine guarding hazards and poor housekeeping related to combustible dust. OSHA's regional director Cindy Coe says excess dust fueled the deadly blast.

"Our theory is that a bucket came loose, whacked against the side, caused a spark and ignited the suspended sugar. And from there, it goes," Coe says.

Imperial Sugar's C.E.O. issued a statement, saying the facts don't support the charges and the company will contest the proposed fines. Imperial Sugar managers, however, aren't the only officials facing withering questions in light of today's allegations, since if, as OSHA alleges, there were serious hazards since 2002, why did it take OSHA six-years and the deaths of 13-people for them to find out about them?

"I'm saying that, given the resources we have, we have been doing random inspections at facilities that have combustible dust," Coe says. "We do not have the resources to inspect every facility in the country, no."

Coe says, OSHA has stepped up those random checks. One given to the Imperial Sugar refinery in Louisiana led to the shut-down of that facility weeks after the Savannah explosion. Inspectors found dust in some locations four feet high.

Refinery blast report out Friday

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration plans to release the results of a six month probe into the Imperial Sugar explosion.

Imperial Sugar C.E.O. John Sheptor told the Savannah Morning News that he expects the workplace safety agency to issue "significant" safety citations. Speculation as to what caused the sugar refinery explosion in Febrary has focused on a build-up of combusible dust.

If OSHA cites the company for excess dust or other violations, Imperial Sugar will have three weeks to contest the findings.

The agency's report will come just days before a Senate subcommittee is scheduled to meet to discuss proposed legislation to regulate combustible dust. The Imperial Sugar disaster killed thirteen people.

Sugar-refinery explosion: silos come down

More clean-up from the Imperial Sugar refinery explosion near Savannah is underway today. Two damaged storage silos will come down. Sugar dust beneath the silos ignited like gunpowder to cause the February explosion. Thirteen people died and dozens were injured. New silos are scheduled to be built in spring of next year.

Imperial Sugar workers being re-trained

Workers idled by the deadly sugar refinery explosion in Port Wenworth are going back to school. Company officials say the wait between now and when the Imperial Sugar plant could be fully operational is a year they can use to teach employees new skills. Workers will attend 180 hours of classes at Savannah Technical College, both in core subjects like reading and math, but also in company-specific training for technological upgrades that will be in place when areas of the plant begin to re-open.

Imperial Sugar C.E.O. John Sheptor says, he expects that to begin in the fall. "We're just going to take advantage of the opportunity that we have while the refinery is down and give this education opportunity to our associates that they wouldn't otherwise as this large of a number would have been able to take advantage of it," Sheptor says.

Georgia's HOPE scholarship is paying for the bulk of the retraining. A federal report is expected by August 8th on the cause of the blast that killed 13 workers and injured scores more on February 7th.

U.S. House considers dust safety

The U.S. House is considering a bill today designed after a deadly sugar plant blast on the Georgia coast. The measure would require businesses to follow new safety standards on combustible dust. Experts believe sugar dust caused the February 7th blast at Imperial Sugar Refinery in Port Wentworth which killed 13 people.