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Ministry of Environment orders SSonix in St. Catharines to close

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A hazardous waste facility in St. Catharines has been ordered to permanently close following an investigation into a fatal explosion in 2023.

The Ministry of Environment says Ssonix Products has to submit a closure plan by Mar. 31.

A fire at the facility caused an early morning explosion two years ago that killed 37-year-old Ryan Konkin, an employee at the time.

The department released a statement that says that an investigation into the fire and explosion has led to the ministry to lay charges against Ssonix and its directors Steve Baker, Sharon Baker and Tyler Baker.

They are being charged under both the Environmental Protection Act and Ontario Water Resources Act.

“The ministry takes all threats to the natural environment very seriously,” the statement reads.

READ MORE: Arrests made in 2023 St. Catharines Ssonix industrial fire