A CHEMICAL firm is set to be prosecuted by environment and health chiefs after a leak of toxic gas from its plant in Hyndburn.

Nipa Laboratories, Nook Lane, Oswaldtwistle, is due to appear before Hyndburn magistrates to face charges brought by the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive.

The charges relate to a gas leak in May 1998 when residents complained of stinging eyes and sore throats.

The company is charged with five offences of failing to comply with conditions of its operating licence. The firm is alleged to have breached its licence by allowing a leak of hydrogen chloride and sulphur dioxide, allowing offensive smells to be present outside their premises, failing to provide qualified staff to manage processes, failing to keep equipment in good repair and failing to use best techniques to prevent releases.

Those charges have been laid by the Environment Agency.

The firm is also charged with failing to ensure the health and safety of its employees and failing to ensure none- company employees were not exposed to health risks.

Those charges are brought by the Health and Safety Executive.

The firm is due to appear before magistrates on March 22.

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