Praxair Watch

Update - Key Excerpts From 97 Pages of EPA Documents

2008-07-09T21:11:00.000-07:00

KEY EXCERPTS FROM 97 PAGES OF EPA DOCUMENTS

Abstracted and compiled by Attorney William S. Daniel

June 24, 2005 1645 hrs: A five square-block area had been evacuated. Breached
gas cylinders and metal fragments had been sent through the air in all directions as
much as 900 feet from the facility in all directions. Several homes and off-site vehicles were impacted, and some small fires started, but no one was injured. The fire had started near a truck trailer holding cylinders of acetylene. These apparently exploded causing further explosions of cylinders of propane and propylene. More than one hundred additional acetylene cylinders which had not exploded were venting and burning through pressure relief fuse plugs, small holes hear the tops of the cylinders. The fire department was allowing these cylinders to burn out rather than extinguishing them, so that flammable vapors would not accumulate and create more explosions.

June 25, 2005: MDNR [Missouri Department of Natural Resources] returned to the site to tour the facility with a Praxair representative and the St. Louis Police Department Bomb and Arson Squad. This further confirmed that acetylene, propane and proplyene were the primary chemicals released. Acetone was also released as
it is mixed with the acetylene. Praxair also related that samples for asbestos had been collected. Apparently acetylene tanks contain a filler material that stabilizes the acetylene. It is primarily made up of calcium silicate, but sometimes can contain asbestos as a binder, especially in older cylinders. Praxair provided results as soon as they were available later that day. They indicated that asbestos was present. It is
probable that some of this material was deposited off site. Praxair hired Shaw Environmental and the Bellon Environmental Company for assessment and cleanup.

Background: Local emergency management personnel had issued an evacuation of
nearby businesses and residential areas due to smoke and potentially hazardous emission from the site.

Figure 2. The Praxair facility is an industrial gas supplier. Industrial gases include propane, nitrogen, helium, oxygen, acetylene, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and other specialty gases. Newswire photograph of Praxair facility showing boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE) of gas storage containers.

Some of the compressed cylinders were lined with asbestos-containing materials,
which were released to the environment during the incident.

there is a potential for a release that could cause adverse environmental or human health impacts.

There was a release of asbestos-containing materials to nearby residential properties, industrial facilities, streets, and parking lots.

A release of asbestos-containing materials to the environment occurred as a result of the fire at this facility.

The area where the asbestos-containing material was deposited is considered a
facility as defined by the NCP. A FACILITY is defined as any building, structure...or any site or area, where a hazardous substance has been deposited.

Asbestos is classified as a hazardous substance.

Concentrations of chrysotile asbestos up to 25% were detected in bulk samples from
debris originating from the site. DOES THE QUANTITY OR CONCENTRATION
WARRANT RESPONSE? YES X . [40 CFR 300.410(e)]

HAS A PRP [Potentially Responsible Party] BEEN IDENTIFIED? YES X
Praxair Distribution, Inc., has assumed liability for the incident and is coordinating
environmental cleanup activities in conjunction with the Missouri Department of
Natural Resources (MDNR).
Praxair Distribution Inc.
39 Old Ridgebury Road
Danbury, CT 06810-5113
1-800-PRAXAIR

There was a release of asbestos-containing materials to the area surrounding the Praxair facility.

Asbestos-containing materials are suspected to have been released to surface soils
near the site.

SUSPECTED RESPONSIBLE PARTY Organization: PRAXAIR COMPANY,
ST. LOUIS, MO.
2210 Chouteau Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63103-3009

Community Impact due to Material: YES

EVACUATIONS: YES Who Evacuated: EVERYONE

release of hazardous substances.

Release Began: 06.24.05 Time 15:14

Release Discovered: 06.24.05 Time 15:15

Release Ended: 06.24.05 Time 17:15

[Two (2) hours releasing hazardous substances]

Chemical Name: Asbestos Containing Materials

Physical State at Time of Release: Solid

Total Quantity of Chemical Released: 157,700 lbs.

Indicate the weather conditions at the time of the release. Temperature
(Fahrenheit): 93

Cloud Cover: Mostly sunny

The fire started in the back of the property in the flammable gas storage area.

Did any quantity of the released material migrate off the facility boundaries: Yes.

Are chemical(s) involved in this release included in any permit issued to the facility?
No.

The fire started in the flammable cylinder storage area in the yard of the plant.
Some acetylene cylinders which were involved in the fire exploded and released
their filler material. Some of the filler material, from older acetylene cylinders
(older than 1985) contains about 25% asbestos balance calcium silicate.

General Public Evacuated 4 blocks area around the plant
Indicate the environmental effects that occurred as a result of the release:
Vegetation damage
Soil contamination

The asbestos containing material is an integral part of the internal filler of acetylene cylinders. Under normal conditions of use and processing, there is no release or
exposure of this material to the public or to employees.

Primary product or service [of Praxair]: Repackaging and wholesale distribution of
the industrial gases Acetylene, Ammonia, Argon, Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen, Propane,
and Propylene.

210,000 lbs. [is] the maximum amount, in pounds, of the released material that you
[Praxair] have on hand at any one time at your facility [so this June 24, 2005 incident released 157,700 pounds, which is 74.76% of the maximum amount that Praxair had on hand at any one time at its facility].

Did the released material reach a wastewater treatment plant? Yes.

formalized hazard evaluation was performed prior to this release at the process or
storage area within your [Praxair’s] facility where the accident occurred [back in]
Sep. 2003 [but] material release was not taken into consideration as the study’s criteria was primarily focused on releases of flammable gases resulting in fires and
explosions. [Per] Hassan Rahal, Manager of Environment and Health, Mississauga,
Ontario, Canada [and] Randall Brittingham, Division General Manager, August, 04,
2005 [who signed off on the Facility Certification].

24 June 2005 a large explosion and fire occurred at the Praxair facility located at
2341 Hickory, St. Louis, MO.

Figure 4. Historical Aerial Photo of Praxair facility [showing 2300 LaSalle Street
directly across the street to the immediate west of the Praxair facility].

Some compressed cylinders had burst and scattered flaming debris, igniting nearby parked automobiles, wooden fences, and yards. The force of the explosion had also
broken windows in nearby homes, and some of the scattered debris damaged walls
and fences at surrounding properties.

Also on site were...Praxair personnel and their response contractor, Phillips Environmental Services.

Following the fire, it was learned that some of the acetylene tanks had been lined with
asbestos-containing material that was released to the environment during the incident.
Asbestos-containing debris from the site was found on surrounding streets, rooftops,

parking lots and yards. Up to 25% chrysotile asbestos was detected in samples of the debris collected by MDNR; consequently, Praxair had to address asbestos abatement activities, as well as other environmental and public health issues, as per
MDNR’s Hazardous Substance Emergency Declaration #050624-1530, dated July
1, 2005 (see Appendix C). Asbestos removal and remediation were subsequently conducted by The Shaw Group Inc. and Bellon Environmental Company, under contract to Praxair.

However, asbestos was detected in samples of debris originating from the site littering nearby streets, rooftops, and yards. Consequently, qualified companies contracted by Praxair conducted followup abatement and cleanup.

Based on visual observations and sampling data, a release of asbestos-containing
materials to the environment (nearby residential and industrial properties) was documented. MDNR subsequently issued a Hazardous Substance Emergency Declaration, directing the potentially responsible party (PRP), Praxair Distribution,
Inc., to address environmental and health problems associated with the fire. Consequently, Praxair initiated cleanup activities in response to this directive.

Figure 2 Site Layout [by] Tetra Tech EM Inc. [shows the intersection of LaSalle
Street and Missouri Avenue directly across the street to the west from the Praxair
facility, which is located between Chouteau Avenue to its north and Hickory Street to its south].

photograph shows fire-fighting efforts along Missouri Avenue, near the facility’s
west lot.

photograph shows acetylene cylinders burning at the site.

photograph of the south lot shows facility’s proximity to neighboring residences.

photograph shows a burned automobile near the south lot.

photograph shows a damaged abandoned building [which is the west side of the
Historical Building at 1109 Missouri Avenue showing its extensive damage from
the exploding cylinders that were launched like missiles that crashed through the
walls of this building, entering from Praxair on the east and exiting out the west].

photograph shows an acetylene cylinder and asbestos-containing debris in a street
near the site.

State of Missouri Department of Natural Resources July 1, 2005 written Hazardous
Substance Emergency Declaration [issued to] Mr. Wayne Yakich, Praxair Distribution, Inc., 39 Old Ridgebury Road, Danbury, CT 06810. As you are aware,
the incident resulted in breached acetylene gas cylinders that contain asbestos material. Investigation of the incident and Praxair Distribution Inc. sampling conducted at the site confirmed that asbestos material was released during the incident. The department’s independent samples collected on Thursday, June 20, 2005, indicated the continued presence of friable asbestos in materials/debris located off-site of the facility. [MDNR ordered Praxair to] Continue the removal of any asbestos containing material, debris, or any other hazardous materials discovered
off-site.

NUMBER OF WORKERS AT THE FACILITY OR ADJACENT FACILITIES WHOSE CONTAMINATION IS SUSPECTED: Approximately 70.

06/16/2006 U. S. Chemical Safety Board, Washington, D.C.: gas released by a
pressure relief valve on a propylene cylinder ignited. As a result of the fire, dozens of exploding cylinders were launched into the surrounding community and struck nearby homes, buildings, and cars, causing extensive damage and several small fires.
Fortunately, residents escaped injury from the falling fragments. CSB investigators
noted the accident occurred on a hot summer day with a high temperature of 97 degrees F in St. Louis. At Praxair, cylinders were stored in the open on asphalt, which radiated heat from the direct sunlight, raising the temperatures and pressure of the gas inside the cylinders. At approximately 3:20 p.m., a propylene cylinder pressure relief valve began venting. CSB investigators believe static electricity, created by escaping vapor and liquid, most likely ignited the leaking propane. Praxair security camera video shows the initial fire spreading quickly to other cylinders.
Exploding cylinders - mostly acetylene - flew up to 800 feet away, damaged property, and started fires in the community. The fire could not be extinguished until most of
the flammable gas cylinders were expended. An estimated 8,000 cylinders were destroyed in the fire, which took five hours to control. The investigation determined
that the pressure relief set points, specified in industry standards, are too low for proplyene and may allow the gas to begin venting during hot weather - well below the pressures that could damage the cylinders. Not only are the specified set points too low for propylene, the CSB found some valves begin releasing gas even before the pressure reaches the set point. Each time a pressure relief valve opens, its performance deteriorates - making it more likely to vent gas at too low a pressure in the future. CSB lead investigator Robert Hall said: “The key lesson learned in our
investigation is that the combination of high ambient temperatures and relief valves
that open at too low a pressure increase the risk of catastrophic fires at these facilities.”

The CSB bulletin lists three similar fires at gas repackaging facilities that were reported to be caused by leaking propylene containers since 1997. First occurred at
another Praxair facility in Fresno, California just a month after the St. Louis accident.

Mark A. Smith, EPA: “I understand initiating cause might be from a propane tank,
either overfilled or fell to the ground and then broke & found ignition source (heat index was close to 100 degrees that day). I believe that CSB is investigating.”

Vehicles in Trucking company’s parking lot were set ablaze from falling debris
[immediately north of 2300 LaSalle, directly across the street from the restaurant;
per St. Louis Post-Dispatch]. Aerial view of the area affected by the Praxair explosions. Many of the gases Praxair supplies to customers are highly flammable, particularly acetylene, hydrogen and oxygen. The company’s facility on Chouteau is a cylinder gas plant, which fills gas cylinders for clients ranging from hospitals to welding facilities.

WSD

Investigation Finds Hot Weather Played Role in Praxair Fire

2006-06-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

Interesting article on findings from the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board investigation into the explosion at Praxair.

Click the link below for more information:
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/060615/praxair_st_louis.html?.v=2

Praxair Announces Permanent Relocation

2006-06-12T12:47:00.000-07:00

Below is a press release issued by Praxair today:

PRAXAIR TO PERMANENTLY RELOCATE ST. LOUIS FACILITY OPERATIONS TO CAHOKIA, ILLINOIS

CAHOKIA, Illinois, June 12 – Praxair Distribution Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Praxair Inc. (NYSE: PX), announced today that it will permanently relocate its industrial gases distribution facility, formerly located on Chouteau Avenue in St. Louis, to an existing company property on Judith Lane in Cahokia, Illinois.

“Praxair has been warmly welcomed to Illinois by the state and local authorities and it is our intention to renovate and expand the facility and add a small number of new jobs in the future,” said Wayne Yakich, president of Praxair Distribution Inc. “We are also pleased to continue our good relationships with the City of Cahokia and St. Clair County where we’ve had business activities for the last 15 years.”

“We have sought and obtained all required permits and approvals for the development of this facility and we will be installing similar security systems to those we had in place in St. Louis,” Yakich added. “Since June last year, this site has been operating as a temporary facility to serve our customers in this region.”

Praxair acquired the Cahokia facility in 1991 for use as a warehouse, store and distribution center for cylinder gases in Illinois and Missouri. It closed this site down when it established its larger facility in St. Louis in 1999.

“Praxair will have 60 employees in Cahokia when it is fully operational in
12-18 months,” Yakich said. “We also plan to invest approximately $3.5 million in renovating and upgrading the facility during this time.”

The Cahokia facility will serve essentially the same customer base in Illinois and the greater St. Louis area as the previous facility on Chouteau Avenue. No industrial gases will be produced at the site.

Gases will be delivered in bulk to the site and put into cylinders for delivery to a wide variety of customers, including hospitals, research facilities, universities, small and large manufacturing companies, construction businesses, restaurants and bars, and hobbyists.

Products packaged at the plant will include oxygen for medical and industrial uses; acetylene for welding and brazing; nitrogen for food freezing; argon for welding; specialty gases for laboratory instrument calibration. Other gases, such as propane, which is used in backyard grills, and propylene, which is used for cutting steel, will also be stored at this facility.

Praxair plans propane burn-off

2006-05-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

KWMU (90.7) has reported that Praxair is planning a propane burn-off to happen between May 9-11 at their Chouteau location. For more information check out article on the KWMU website at:

http://publicbroadcasting.net/kwmu/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=909227

Update from Praxair

2006-04-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

Below is a letter sent to the Praxair taskforce after requesting information about recent activity at the Praxair site:

Dear Ms. Breeden

I am aware that you have been concerned about recent activity at the Praxair site on Chouteau Ave. I have prepared an update which I am sure you will want to share with your colleagues.

UPDATE:

Praxair Distribution is continuing to have discussions with interested parties regarding the future use of its facility on Chouteau Ave. This facility was damaged during a fire on June 24, 2005.

As part of the site preparation for a different use, Praxair is currently removing equipment and other materials from the property.

Piping and pump equipment have been dismantled and removed. A high-security gas storage facility structure, including a deluge water system, has also been dismantled and shipped out.
Additional truckloads of materials will be removed over the next few days.

About 500 cylinders, containing various quantities of propane, propylene, acetylene, carbon dioxide and nitrogen, are still on the site and will also be removed. Some of these cylinders, containing propane and propylene, were damaged during the fire and, before being transported, will be flared. Only propane and propylene cylinders will be flared. (The flaring will take place in the open air on the Praxair site. The flaring burns the gases completely, just as the propane in a gas-fired barbecue is burned while cooking hamburgers, etc.)

This action, scheduled for the second week in May, has been approved by the St. Louis Fire Department. Praxair has requested Fire Dept. officers to be present during the flaring process.

Praxair is still working on locating an appropriate site for its industrial gas distribution business in the St. Louis region.

Nigel Muir
Vice President, Communications
Praxair, Inc.

Photo of the interior of Praxair

2006-04-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

Just an interesting photo of the interior of Praxair from the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board report.

Click here to view

U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation article and press release

2006-04-01T17:23:00.000-08:00

For those that missed it, the Post Dispatch ran an article on 3/31 that discussed an investigation into the explosion at Praxair and the findings by the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board.

Click here to read the Post article

Click here to read the official press release from the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board

Praxair Hearing Indefinitely Postponed

2006-02-15T14:26:00.000-08:00

The hearing originally scheduled for Thursday (2/16) has been indefinitely postponed. Mayor Slay has an update on his Website giving more details. The copy is listed below:

Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Praxair Update

We have made progress with Praxair: we have jointly agreed to an indefinite continuance of Praxair’s appeal.

Moving forward:

Praxair has agreed that if their Chouteau property is rezoned to maximize the value in a sale, they will drop their appeal and move their
operations.

We have agreed to support a change in the zoning (or a variance) as long as the new use for the Chouteau property is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.

We continue to work with the company on a new location.

For more information click here.

If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact the Praxair Taskforce at praxairtaskforce@yahoo.com.

News Headlines and Meeting Updates!

2006-02-15T07:40:00.000-08:00

A story on the front page of today's (2/15) Post Dispatch is running the headline, "Woman's death tied to Praxair explosion" - to read more please Click Here.

Also, please make sure to email the taskforce (praxairtaskforce@yahoo.com) if you are planning on attending the upcoming Board of Building Services meeting this Thursday (2/16) at 1:00pm in room 208 of City Hall so we can get a head count. This meeting will determine if Praxair is going to be allowed a building permit to repair their facilities on Chouteau. In addition, all press outlets will be in attendance.

Finally, if you need any additional signage (window, car or yard) or have any other questions please feel free to drop the taskforce an email at praxairtaskforce@yahoo.com.

Praxair Relocation Update

2006-01-31T21:34:00.000-08:00

In the last edition of the Marquis, it was reported that a representative of the Praxair Task Force had been invited, by Mayor Slay’s office, to sit in on a meeting that was scheduled between the Mayor, his staff, and Praxair officials. That meeting took place on January 9th. Alderman Lewis Reed was also present.

Highlights of the January meeting between Praxair & Mayor Slay:

-- Praxair stated the previously proposed Hazelwood site is still an unacceptable option.

-- Mayor Slay promised both Praxair and the neighborhood that the City is going to "redouble" their efforts to help the company find another suitable location.

-- Praxair officials stated they are committed to moving out of Lafayette Square. (Though it appears the company is still hoping to operate at the Chouteau site temporarily while another site is secured or prepared.)

-- The Mayor's office and Praxair have set 2/16/06 as a deadline to find a new location for the company’s operations. (This is the same day the Board of Building Services reconvenes, presumably with a decision regarding Praxair's building permit appeal.)

-- Jeff Rainford, the Mayor's Chief of Staff, will head a "Task Force" (that includes Praxair officials) to be sure a new site for Praxair is secured.

-- Mr. Rainford promised to keep the neighborhood updated on the progress of this search.

-- As Chair of the Praxair Neighborhood Task Force, April Breeden stated that, in general, Lafayette Square residents respect that Praxair serves a function within the St. Louis area, but they maintain their stance that any operations at their current location pose a direct threat to public safety. She stated that the Task Force wants to help expedite the relocation process in any way it can.

-- Mayor Slay encouraged the Task Force and neighborhood residents to provide suggestions for a new and appropriate site.

-- Specific sites were not discussed, but it has been agreed that the new site must be at least 5 acres in size in order to provide a "buffer zone" between it and other surrounding properties. Praxair is also looking for a site with decent access to highways, due to their transportation needs.

April spoke with Jeff Rainford on January 30th and he stated that the City is currently showing Praxair a variety of locations in St. Louis County. He stated that the Mayor’s office and Praxair are holding weekly conference calls to help expedite the search for a new location. He states they are doing what the can to attempt to meet the February 16th deadline. He also states he believes the company is truly committed to moving.

In addition, Mr. Rainford stated that the City has recently “signed off” on the clean up the company conducted in Lafayette Square. (He states this was one stipulation that had to be met before they could relocate.) He indicated that, with the exception of seven private properties to which the company could not gain access, Praxair has done everything they could to clean up the asbestos and other debris that was scattered throughout the neighborhood during the June explosion.

By next month’s edition of the Marquis more should be known regarding the outcome of the current search for a new location for Praxair’s operations. Neighbors should monitor the major news sources on February 16th-17th, as it is likely they will report the outcome of the Board of Building Services meeting that will be held that day (regarding the company’s prior request for a building permit). The Task Force will also continue to post updates here on its website.

Meeting to be held

2006-01-07T22:31:00.000-08:00

On Monday 01/09/06 a meeting will be held between Praxair and Mayor Slay to discuss Praxair's relocation. In addition, April Breeden from the Praxair Taskforce has been asked to attend.

Updates

2006-01-03T07:06:00.001-08:00

The Post Dispatch recently wrote an article that sums up where the City and Praxair are in the process of finding a new location for Praxair's facility.

Click here for more information.

In addition, the Blog Notorius History has been hard at work adding interesting articles and new links.

Click here to check it out.

Praxair Rejects City's Proposed Site

2005-12-22T20:40:00.000-08:00

Praxair has rejected the City's proposed site in Hazelwood. They claim the the "property and land surrounding it is contaminated with various materials related to the Manhattan Project and is on the US Environmental Protection Agency's National Priority list for clean-up".

The City has provided a letter in response to Praxair's claims from the Department of the Army, St. Louis District, Corps of Engineers that states that a recently conducted sampling and subsequent lab analysis have found that the area in question "contains no contamination above the remedial goals established in the North St. Louis County Sites Record of Decision." The City also contends that the area is not a Superfund site and believes that Praxair has not been truthful in its efforts for relocation.

Updates from Hearing

2005-12-18T19:57:00.000-08:00

The Board of Building Services has chosen to delay responding to Praxair's building permit request for an additional 60 days citing moral, ethical and legal concerns.

Mayor Slay has sent a letter proposing a new site for Praxair in Hazelwood on property the city owns. The new site is located in an industrial area. A copy of the five page letter can be viewed below.

In addition, the Mayor has posted an updated statement on his site - http://www.mayorslay.com/desk/

Property Damage Claims Update

2005-12-16T14:52:00.000-08:00

Numerous people have stated that they are having difficulty in settling their property damage claims with Praxair. The Praxair Neighborhood Task Force encourages those individuals to file complaints with the Missouri Department of Insurance AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

If you file a complaint we request you e-mail us to let us know you have done so (for tracking/legal purposes): praxairtaskforce@yahoo.com

For your convenience, the contact information is listed below:

Missouri Department of Insurance
Insurance Commission
PO Box 690
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0690
Phone #: 573-751-4126
E-Mail Address: www.insurance.state.mo

Those who wish to file a complaint will need to have the following info for the Insurance Commission:

1. Name, Address & contact phone # for Praxair's Insurance company - (Cambridge Insurance)

2. They need their actual specific claim # (each individual will have their own claim #)

3. The named claimant (actual person for the claim) has to have a specific complaint for them to investigate

4. The claimant will have to leave all their personal contact information (address, day time phone, etc.)

5. Not all complaints are investigated, but if there are enough complaints the D.O.I. (Dept of Insurance) will investigate it & will be looking for answers

Please feel free to drop us a line with any questions at praxairtaskforce@yahoo.com.

New post on Notorious History

2005-12-08T21:06:00.000-08:00

You may find the most recent post on the blog titled Notorious History interesting. The URL is: http://mypraxblog.blogspot.com/ and is also available in the links section of the site.

Building Permit Hearing Postponed

2005-12-08T20:46:00.000-08:00

The building permit hearing originally scheduled for today has been rescheduled for next Thursday December 15th at 12:30 in room 208 of City Hall. If you have any questions please feel free to drop a line to the task force at praxairtaskforce@yahoo.com.

Updates on the Hearing

2005-11-29T14:37:00.000-08:00

The Board of Building Services Committee that heard Praxair's appeal and our testimony on 11/10 will be deliberating on this issue on 12/8 at 1PM in room 208 of City Hall. As far as we know it is an open meeting that anyone can attend (to observe) but no more "testimony" will be allowed.

Background regarding Praxair explosion at St. Louis facility and incidents that have followed*

2005-11-18T20:47:00.000-08:00

6/24/05-At approximately 3:15 in the afternoon, a fire starts at the Praxair facility on Chouteau Avenue in the Lafayette Square neighborhood. Shortly after, huge explosions occur, sending flames hundreds of feet into the air, and metal canisters into the surrounding streets and neighborhood. Portions of the neighborhood are evacuated as fire crews attempt to prevent the fire from spreading into the surrounding historic neighborhood. Numerous homes and cars suffered significant damage. Following the incident, debris and asbestos are found throughout the neighborhood. The facility is hosed down with water for weeks and air quality is monitored.

6/30/05-The Lafayette Square Restoration Committee (LSRC) hosts a meeting to address residents’ concerns and questions regarding the explosion at the Praxair facility and safety issues. Attending were the mayor, fire chief, police chief and various other city officials. The neighborhood expressed their appreciation to the emergency workers who put themselves in harms way to help battle the fire and limit the damage to the neighborhood. Praxair officials assure neighbors that they will work with the city to relocate their St. Louis operation to another site.

Summer 2005-Praxair continues to attend monthly LSRC meetings throughout the summer, providing updates on cleanups and insurance claims. In the meantime, interim operations for Praxair have been shifted to other locations around the area.

9/29-Praxair issues a press release & letter to Lafayette Square residents stating that:

1) They believe “the premature release of a safety relief valve on one or more gas cylinders containing flammable gas may have contributed” the St. Louis fire.

2) They plan to resume “interim” operations at the Chouteau facility (pending being issued a building permit by the city) while they continue trying to “identify” another site for operations.

9/30-Praxair meets with officials to request a building permit to re-open their Chouteau facility. The city denies the building permit. Mayor Slay and Alderman Reed state their support of this denial and concern for neighborhood safety.

10/1-The Lafayette Square Restoration Committee (LSRC) applauds the city’s decision to deny Praxair the building permit and re-state their position that Praxair’s operations are “not compatible with a residential neighborhood.”

10/4-Mayor Slay states that the City will work with Praxair to find a more suitable location but will NOT support their plans to re-open at Chouteau UNLESS & UNTIL:

1) They “provide documented evidence that residents and businesses in the Lafayette Square neighborhood are comfortable with their interim plans for limited operations at the Chouteau facility.”

2) They “provide detailed plans to the City outlining exactly what they plan to do at their Chouteau facility.”

10/11--LSRC Meeting:

1) Residents of Lafayette Square vote 150-1 stating that they oppose the issuance by the City of St. Louis of any building, occupancy or other permit that would enable Praxair to resume or continue operations at the existing Chouteau site.
2) The Praxair Neighborhood Task Force is created to address neighbors concerns regarding Praxair’s attempts to re-open at their current location. Anti-Praxair signs are soon displayed in yards throughout Lafayette Square.

11/10-The Board of Building Services hears Praxair’s appeal regarding their request for a building permit being denied. 49+ letters of opposition were received by the board stating that residents DO NOT want Praxair re-opening in Lafayette Square. 40-50 residents were in attendance at the hearing, as were all major media sources (radio, print, TV). Praxair stated that they have a good safety record and “deserve” the permit. They also accused the city of not helping them find an alternative location. Residents (who were organized by the Praxair Neighborhood Task Force) showed video footage and pictures of the June explosion, addressed physical and mental health safety concerns, and pointed out that Lafayette Square is a protected historic district unlike any other in the United States. They insisted that Praxair is still a “public nuisance” (one of the reasons they were denied the permit in the first place) and asked committee members if they would feel safe with Praxair operating in their back yards.

11/17-It is announced that the committee which heard the appeal will deliberate on the matter at 1PM on December 8th, 2005 in room 208 of City Hall. It is an open meeting and anyone can attend to observe, but it is the understanding of the Praxair Task Force that further testimony will not be heard.

* This document is simply meant to provide a general overview for someone new to this website or issue and to the knowledge of the Task Force presents accurate information. For exact dates and facts please also research other media sources, etc.

Praxair hearing updates

2005-11-11T13:13:00.000-08:00

Praxair had an appeal hearing regarding a previously denied building permit this afternoon (11/10/05). The hearing started at roughly 1:00pm and ended around 5:00pm. Praxair spoke for about one and a half hours while residents of Lafayette Square and Alderman Lewis Reed spoke for about two and a half hours. Testimony from residents was unanimously in opposition to Praxair being granted the building permit and was primarily focused on concern for safety as well as the historical significance of the neighborhood. Alderman Reed shared similar concerns and asked the Board Members to uphold the denial for the permit.

Praxair officials and their lawyer claimed that they have an outstanding safety record and that they “deserve” the building permit because they believe they have submitted the appropriate paperwork. They also focused on safety changes that they would make if they were to be issued the building permit and then resume operations. Many of their proposed safety improvements were couched in vague language (such as “reduced” storage of tanks/chemicals on the site).

Lafayette Square residents emphasized that Praxair was denied the building permit, in part, because they were perceived as a “public nuisance” and the neighborhood was not “comfortable” with the company resuming operations within the historic neighborhood. They asked the members of the board to consider if they would be comfortable with such an operation in their own backyards.

Residents shared stories of what the June 24^th explosion was like for them, which included stories of injuries to pets, parents who were separated from their children and feared for their safety, and a handicapped resident who was trapped in her home for some time when it was not yet “safe” for even rescue workers to get to her.

Residents also told stories of property damage, some of which is still unresolved, with 2 homes in the neighborhood being condemned due to the incident. They asked how Praxair could justify requesting a building permit when the company has not yet rectified the damage they have caused their “neighbors” nearly 5 months ago.

Additional Hearing Highlights:

- 49+ letters were submitted to the Board of Building Services by residents who oppose Praxair being granted the building permit

- Approximately 40-50 residents (and Alderman Lewis Reed) were in attendance

- All major media outlets were in attendance (TV, Radio and Print)

Web site visits increase

2005-11-10T20:49:00.000-08:00

Over the last week PraxairWatch.com daily web site visits have increased over 300%! With the increase in interest, content is being updated even more rapidly. Please check back often for the most up-to-date information.

In addition, you may want to check out the new links section in the right hand column. There you will find links to stories, photos, videos and information.

Praxair Letter Campaign and Hearing Updates!

2005-11-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

Please note that any additional letters will most likely not make it in time via the US mail service. So, if you still have a letter you have not sent and/or are still creating one please fax it to Ms. Lynn Wente at (314) 552-7617.

In addition please remember you are invited to the hearing tomorrow (Thursday - 11/10/05) at 1:00pm in room 208 at City Hall. If you wish to speak please leave the Praxair Taskforce an email at praxairtaskforce@yahoo.com.

Finally, if you are in need of any yard or window signage please drop us a line (email address above).

2005-11-03T20:08:00.000-08:00

Praxair Exploding

Letter Writing Campaign / Yard and Window Signage

2005-10-31T08:06:00.000-08:00

Praxair’s appeal hearing for a building permit is set for November 10^th at 1:00 pm in room 208 at City Hall. If you are planning on attending please drop an email to praxairtaskforce@yahoo.com so we can keep a head count.

Also, we need to start the letter writing campaign immediately! Do not feel as if you have to write a long letter with lots of details, a short concise letter will be just as effective. You may wish to address any safety concerns you have about Praxair rebuilding and/or reoccupying their current location. Please feel free to address any concerns to damage done to property or persons. The primary person to send mail to is:

Lynn Wente
Board of Building Services
Room 400
1200 Market St
St. Louis, MO 63103

Here are secondary addresses where letters should/can be "copied" to:

Mayor Francis G. Slay
City Hall, Room 200
1200 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 622-3201 office
(314) 622-4061 fax

Alderman Lewis Reed-Ward 6
City Hall, Room 230
1200 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103

Public Safety Director Sam Simon
AND Operations Manager Ron Smith
St. Louis City Hall
1200 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 622-3287 office

Please also email a copy to praxairtaskforce@yahoo.com if possible.

Anti-Praxair Yard and Window Signage

Signage will be available and delivered next weekend to everyone in the neighborhood interested. If you have not been contacted by a member of the taskforce please feel free to email us at praxairtaskforce@yahoo.com and/or call us at (314) 772-5724 extension #1.

Praxair Appeal Hearing Update

2005-10-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

Praxair has an appeal hearing for a building permit scheduled for November 10 at 1:00 at City Hall in room 218.

Now is the time to start the letter writing campaign. We will be posting names and addresses on this site very soon as to where to mail your letters.

If you have any questions please contact us at praxairtaskforce@yahoo.com.

Lafayette Square's Press Release

2005-10-19T15:14:00.000-07:00

Lafayette Square Restoration Committee applauds the city's decision to deny building permits to Praxair

October 1 - For Immediate Release - The Lafayette Square Restoration Committee applauds the decision to deny Praxair the permits needed to begin reconstruction and interim operations at the site on Chouteau Avenue. Since the destructive explosion and fire on June 24th, the position of the LSRC has been that such operations are not compatible with a residential neighborhood such as Lafayette Square. We fully support the efforts of the company and city officials to re-locate Praxair's operations to a more appropriate location within the city of St. Louis.

The safety and security of our residents is our foremost concern. We appreciate the Mayor's support in this matter and share with him the goal of continuing the strong growth in Lafayette Square and other city neighborhoods. Lafayette Square has seen tremendous amounts of revitalization and growth in recent years, and we do not believe that an operation such as Praxair should exist in any residential area.

Our organization looks forward to continuing to work with officials from the city and Praxair to come to a final resolution on this matter.

About the LSRC:
The LSRC is a not-for-profit organization, which seeks to facilitate the preservation and redevelopment of Lafayette Square, respecting its special historic character and enhancing its overall livability.

The purposes of the LSRC are: to foster community improvement, to encourage restoration and preservation, to re-establish Lafayette Park as a focal point, to stabilize the neighborhood, to foster civic pride, to acquire property to further its goals, and to encourage and support legislation for preservation, restoration, and improvement of the area.

Lafayette Square is a historic neighborhood with lies in the areas bounded by I-44 on the south, Jefferson Ave. on the west, Chouteau Ave. on the north, and the east alley of Dolman St. on the east.