Ontario orders closure of St. Catharines waste plant where explosion led to worker’s death
A tragic incident at a hazardous waste facility in St. Catharines, Ont., has led to the permanent closure of the site. The investigation into a 2023 explosion that claimed the life of 37-year-old Ryan Konkin has resulted in the facility, Ssonix Products, being ordered to shut down for good. The company and its directors, Steve Baker, Sharon Baker, and Tyler Baker, are facing a total of 21 charges from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).
Following a hearing at the Ontario Land Tribunal, Ssonix Products has been instructed to submit a closure plan by March 31. The MECP is overseeing the process to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to clean up and restore the natural environment. The ministry’s primary objective is to assess any potential impacts on human health and the environment and hold those responsible accountable for remediation efforts.
The tragic events unfolded in the early hours of January 12, 2023, when multiple explosions and a fire occurred at the facility, prompting emergency response teams to intervene. The nearby homes were evacuated as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze. Unfortunately, Konkin, who was the only person present in the building at the time, sustained fatal injuries and later succumbed to them.
Konkin’s fiancée, Natalia Sepúlveda-Lastra, fondly remembered him as a humorous individual and a dedicated worker. She shared with CBC Hamilton that the last words he spoke to the nurses were, “All I did was open the door.” The heartbreaking loss has left a lasting impact on his loved ones and the community.
Once the closure plan is approved by the authorities, Ssonix Products will be required to implement it promptly. The MECP is closely monitoring the situation to ensure that all necessary actions are taken to address any environmental concerns and that all regulations are adhered to in order to safeguard human health and the environment.
In a separate development, the Niagara police announced in November that criminal charges had been filed against the three directors of Ssonix Products. They are facing charges of “criminal negligence causing death” and “arson by negligence.”
The company and its directors have faced a slew of charges under various acts and regulations, including the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, the Environmental Protection Act (EPA), and the Ontario Water Resources Act (OWRA). The charges range from releasing contaminants likely to cause harm to operating facilities without the required approvals and failing to comply with environmental regulations.
The closure of the hazardous waste facility marks a significant step towards ensuring the safety of the community and the protection of the environment. The authorities are committed to holding those responsible accountable for their actions and enforcing strict measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
