Clinton biofuels plant fire under investigation
CLINTON, Iowa — The investigation into a fire at the Nova Biosource Fuels plant in Clinton is continuing, but company officials say it likely was caused by a build up of methanol vapors.
The fire was reported early Tuesday morning when the plant was shut down for routine maintenance. No employees were injured but one firefighter suffered minor steam burns from the fire.
Company official released a statement this morning, saying it appears the fire, which was contained in a biodiesel recovery column, may have been caused by the build up and ignition of methanol vapors in the column.
The company says officials are evaluating damage to the plant as well as the cost of repairs.
Production materials and some employees will be transferred to another Nova plant in Seneca, Ill.