State considers cleanup plan for fertilizer plant

Eds: APNewsNow. Will be led.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) -- Removing pollution at a former fertilizer plant near Lawrence is expected to cost $13 million.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is close to completing a draft plan for cleaning up the former Farmland Industries property. Officials expect a final plan to be filed in the next 60 to 90 days.

With a plan in hand, they hope that will attract companies looking to buy and develop the 500-acre site.

The buyer will likely also have to help with the cleanup costs. The bankruptcy of Farmland Industries provided just $4 million for pollution removal. Another $6 million is available for cleanup but there are legal questions of how much can be used.

------

Information from: Lawrence Journal-World, http://www.ljworld.com