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New York Governor Andrew Cuomo ordered a multi-agency investigation into the chemical explosion and the working conditions at Verla International on Tuesday.

Verla International is a commercial cosmetic company located in New Windsor, Orange County.

Gov. Cuomo’s directive comes after the chemical explosion and fire at the company’s warehouse at Temple Hill Road. The governor wants State agencies to examine worker’s conditions and safety. He also wants agencies to review the compliance to State environment regulations at the plant. 

Gov. Cuomo to use full force of the law 

In a statement, Gov. Cuomo emphasized that it is important to ensure the safety and welfare of New Yorkers after the chemical explosion.

He said, “I am directing a multi-agency investigation to get to the bottom of what happened and review compliance with state labor and environmental laws. Worker safety and environmental protection are top priorities.”

In addition, the governor promised that the State government will use the full force of the law to hold the company accountable if it committed misconduct and negligence that led to the explosion.

Three departments will lead the investigation 

The New York Department of Labor, Department of State, and Department of Environment Conservation (DEC) lead the investigation into the overall compliance of Verla International.

The DEC will look into facility operations including chemical storage and use practices. The agency will make sure that the company did not violate environmental regulations that led to the chemical explosion.

The department’s investigators will inspect the company’s hazardous waste management methods of waste collection, storage, and disposal. They will also investigate if the company has emergency preparedness plans, response equipment, and communication devices.

Additionally, the investigators will examine if the facility staff has proper training in hazardous waste management.

Furthermore, DEC deployed air monitoring equipment to evaluate the conditions in the area. It is also monitoring water quality impacts from the fire.

DEV Commissioner Basil Seggos said the department is serious in carrying out its responsibility. “Investigators from DEC will leave no stone unturned to figure out what happened.”

On the other hand, the Department of State Division of Building Standards and Code will also investigate compliance at the plant. The agency already offered assistance to the Town of New Windsor to assess the overall condition of the building. It will provide technical support to determine code violations that contributed to the cause or spread of the fire.

Meanwhile, the Labor Department will dispatch worker safety and health experts at the facility. They will determine if asbestos is present on-site or a malfunction in any of the three boilers at the plant.