The Daily News of Newburyport ran an article about the hearing that is scheduled to take place on July 17, 2007 where selectman will decide whether or not to revoke the license of Arnel Company and CAI, Inc., two chemical companies (manufacturing paint and ink, respectively) whose violations of federal and state safety laws resulted in an explosion which caused over $22 million in damage in Danversport. The selectman have called for such a hearing as a result of residential outrage that the town processed a “certificate of registration” on May 1 which allows the companies to maintain their license to store, sell and manufacture up to 11,500 gallons of flammables and combustibles. It was the companies’ violation of safety standards in dealing with such materials that lead to the explosion in the first place, therefore public opposition to the registration and license is expected. The hearing will be open to the public and it will serve as the first opportunity for residents effected by the explosion (over 150 home and business owners) to hear directly from the companies and/or their representatives.

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