USVI demands changes at Hovensa, Diageo after odour
Published:Wednesday | May 25, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Officials say they have found the cause of a foul odour that sickened about 300 people and forced the closure of schools and government offices in the US Virgin Islands last week.
The islands' Department of Planning and Natural Resources says that equipment malfunctions at an oil refinery and a rum distillery in St Croix caused the release of chemicals, including sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide.
The agency's statement issued Monday says symptoms included nausea and shortness of breath.
The department says the Hovensa LLC refinery and Diageo PLC's distillery must fix the equipment and create a 24-hour odour complaint hotline.
It says it is also considering fines against the businesses.
- AP