On Dec. 10, Didion Milling Inc. provided Chemical Processing with a media statement in response to the Dec. 6 report on the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) findings on the deadly explosions and fires at the company’s dry corn milling facility in Cambria, Wisconsin.
The statement from Didion Milling is as follows:
Didion Milling is pleased that the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigations Board (CSB) agrees with Didion that the tragic 2017 explosion that occurred at its Cambria, Wisconsin mill was not started by fugitive dust relating to housekeeping procedures but resulted from the ignition of corn dust inside process equipment. However, Didion disagrees with much of CSB’s report. Both Didion and leading combustible dust safety experts provided the agency with data to correct the report’s many factual errors; however, CSB did not include a significant amount of that information in its report.
The majority of recommendations in CSB’s report had already been implemented when Didion built its new mill in 2018. The new mill was designed and constructed with the guidance of several leading engineering and safety experts to exceed industry safety and quality standards. Didion continually evaluates safety procedures and equipment to remain consistent with – if not ahead of – industry best practices.
Didion continues to hold those lost and injured in the accident in our hearts and joins with them, their loved ones, and our communities in the spirit of healing.
Chemical Processing has reached out to the CSB for comment and will update if the agency responds.
