Chlorine gas cloud over Atchison photo courtesy Corie Dunn

TOPEKA, KAN. – Harcros Chemicals, Inc., of Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty today to violating a federal clean air law in connection with a toxic chlorine gas cloud that formed over Atchison, Kan., in 2016, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

According to the company's plea agreement, Harcros is expected to pay a $1 million fine. The co-defendant in the case, MGP Ingredients, Inc., of Atchison pleaded guilty in November in the same case. That company also is expected to pay a $1 million fine.

Harcros pleaded guilty to negligently violating the federal Clean Air Act. In its plea, the company admitted that on Oct. 21, 2016, a greenish-yellow chlorine gas cloud formed when 4,000 gallons of sulfuric acid were mistakenly combined with 5,800 gallons of sodium hypochlorite. The Atchison County Department of Emergency Management ordered community members to shelter in place and to evacuate in some areas. Approximately 140 individuals including members of the public, first responders, employees of MGP Ingredients and Harcros Chemicals sought medical attention.

"The chemicals involved in this case posed serious public health and environmental dangers," said Assistant Director Justin Oesterreich of the Environmental Protection Agency's Criminal Investigation Division in Kansas. "EPA and its law enforcement partners are committed to holding responsible parties accountable for actions that put an entire community at risk." Harcros is set for sentencing May 27. Harcos' plea agreement calls for both parties to recommend no probation.