A DANGEROUS chemical being imported at a north Essex port is not being stored properly, according to health and safety experts.
Between 150 to 300 tones of ammonium nitrate is being imported by forwarding company, Trent Wharfage, at Mistley Quay.
The chemical is used as a fertiliser but can be an ingredient in explosives, and has been used in terrorist bombings.
Trent Wharfage has been asked to remove the substance immediately.
A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said: “The HSE has informed the company that it is not happy with the way the chemical is being stored. We are monitoring the situation and other agencies are involved as well.
“We have asked them to remove the chemical immediately.”
Mistley resident David McKay said he became aware of the substance being stored in sheds at the quay, during a walk.
Mr McKay said: “The chemical is one of the ingredients of gunpowder and can be very dangerous.”
In 2001 the chemical was a factor in an explosion at a fertiliser factory in France which killed 29 people and injured 2,500, including children from a nearby school.
A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are involved in on-going communication with the health and safety executive.”
Trent Wharfage declined to comment.
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