‘We all need help’: Clifton community brings concerns on explosion recovery directly to company

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - For the first time since the Givaudan Sense Color explosion left two dead, several injured, and the Clifton community a mess, company leaders came face to face with the community during a neighborhood meeting Monday night.

Residents brought a list of questions and concerns for Givaudan President Ann Leonard.

People wanted to know how the company will cover property damage, possible medical bills, and other costs.

"How is that process going to work if we say 'This was not like this yesterday, Monday, today it's like this?'" one person asked. "What is the plan for approving those expenses and how will that go?"

"One of the reasons we did outsource this to a third part is that they have the expertise to do exactly that. We do not," Leonard said. "So they will come in and they will do the inspection you know and I think we have to let that process play out."

The company previously announced it would offer property recovery services available free of charge to residents and business owners whose property was damaged in the blast. However, Leonard only guaranteed immediate payments for food or temporary housing would not be tied to residents signing any sort of legal binding document.

"I imagine that once you get the repairs done there might be some paperwork you have to sign," Leonard said. "Is it contingent? I don't know, I would have to check with our legal [team]."

Others wanted to know what happens next, as the site is cleaned up and demolished.

"In an effort to get out ahead of the next problem, what's the plan communication wise logistically and involvement from metro and safety?" one women asked.

"I think that's a plan we have to put together you're absolutely right," Metro Councilman Andrew Owen, D-District 9 said. "We need to put it together and be out in front of it if we can."

Much of the frustration was focused on the company's response.

Community members complained that nobody reached out to them, and the number provided to report damage only caused more frustration for those who called.

Still, Leonard directed people several times to call the 1-800 number provided by the company. A number of people vocalized or even laughed at the comment, claiming the number got them nowhere. A WAVE troubleshooter investigation uncovered that issue in the days after the blast.

"How can we trust anything you are saying, without any action to back it up?" another women asked in frustration.

Questions about the future of the company continuing operations in Clifton had been asked to city leaders in the days after the explosion.

Leonard says Givaudan is exploring a new option.

"Please know that we are looking at and prioritizing other locations to continue our operations moving forward," she said.

In the meantime, officials are focused on making the process easier for people to get relief as the community continues to recover. They want to make representatives for Givaudan, the Red Cross, and other agencies provided assistance available at UCHM.

"Of all the things we've talked about where we can hopefully make some progress in the short term, is to get those people in the room and make them accessible to people who are in a tough spot," Councilman Owen said.

Watch the full meeting below:

An explosion at the same factory happened in April of 2003, killing one worker.

Earlier Monday, Nov. 18, federal investigators revealed the origin of the factory's explosion . It happened when cooking vessel number 6, which contained caramel coloring, failed. Officials say it didn't vent properly which caused over-pressurization and the explosion. The investigation is still ongoing.