Bayer CropScience settles with feds for $5.6M over 2008 blast that killed 2 in West Virginia

Federal officials say they have struck a $5.6 million settlement with Bayer CropScience over an explosion that killed two people at the company's Institute pesticide plant in 2008.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Justice announced the settlement Monday.

Under the settlement, Bayer CropScience committed to spending $452,000 on safety improvements at chemical storage facilities across the country. The company also will spend $4.23 million to improve emergency preparedness and response in Institute and protect the Kanawha River. Bayer CropScience also will pay a $975,000 penalty.

Federal investigators found that safety lapses led to the deadly runaway chemical reaction that killed two workers.

A consent decree filed in U.S. District Court in Southern West Virginia is subject to a 30-day public comment period and court approval.