Veolia Environmental Services and a division manager appeared again in criminal court this morning in connection with a fatal explosion and fire in Sarnia in October 2014. The company and 44-year-old Anthony Lavoratore were represented by legal counsel, each facing one count of criminal negligence causing death and five counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm. The charges relate to a blast at Veolia's Scott Rd. plant that killed 37-year-old Jason Miller and seriously injured five others. The matter has been put over to August 16 at which time pre-trial matters relating to the criminal charges are to be addressed. Environmental charges, and charges laid under the Occupational Health and Safety Act are also pending. October 25, 2014, a dust collection system outside the building exploded, damaging a section of cinder block wall and causing part of the roof to collapse. It’s alleged the company did not cease the metalizing process at the workplace after being warned of hazards by its engineers and failed to ensure the dust collector was suitable for the process.
First responders gather at Veolia on Scott Rd. in Sarnia following plant explosion. October 25, 2014 (Blackburnnews.com photo by Sue Storr)
