The Diaper Bank of North Carolina is starting to reopen its Triad Branch warehouse in Winston-Salem after a nearby chemical fire forced them to close their doors early last month. The Greater Triad Branch is located beside the Winston Weaver fertilizer plant. The organization says their building on Indiana Avenue sustained roof damage after the recent fire at the Weaver site.
Another lawsuit has been filed against the Weaver fertilizer plant in Winston-Salem. Attorneys for the plaintiffs impacted by the plant fire are seeking a class action status from the court. The Law Office of James Scott Farrin recently filed the lawsuit in Forsyth County Superior Court. It accuses the company of being negligent in its handling or care of ammonium nitrate and says it should have taken steps to avoid the fire.
Environmental groups and state officials are still assessing water quality data collected after a fire broke out at the Winston Weaver fertilizer plant January 31. The Yadkin Riverkeeper says early results of chemicals found raise a lot of questions. It’s unclear how much of the chemicals ended up in area waters. But state data from February 2 does show elevated levels of ammonium nitrogen, nitrates and phosphorus in local creeks around the plant and the Yadkin River.
Residents in Winston-Salem who were forced to leave their homes after a chemical fire can now get some help with their evacuation expenses. City officials recently announced that the Winston Weaver Fertilizer Plant designated $100,000 dollars to assist with community relief efforts. So far, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina received a quarter of that pot. The organization provided meals to families and first responders during the emergency.