FMC Corp. has agreed to a consent decree that requires the company to re-evaluate its process for manufacturing Command, a popular herbicide.

The consent decree represents an agreement between FMC's 92-acre South Baltimore plant and the Maryland Department of Environment that will stop state enforcement action.

The decree signed last week stems from a May 15 accident in which a poorly calibrated flow meter caused a batch of Command to overheat, sending 600 pounds of gas into the air. Residents of nearby Wagner's Point said they saw a gas cloud and complained of watery eyes, bloody noses and sore throats.

FMC apologized for the accident and pledged to come up with a plan to prevent accidents.

State environmental officials say the company has devised a plan and made several changes to its operation.

The consent decree requires FMC to go further, hiring consultants to study ways to produce Command more safely.

Pub Date: 9/02/98