Effort Stymied for Toxic-Gas Firm to Move From La Mesa

Phoenix Research Corp., the toxic-gas manufacturer under pressure to move its plant out of La Mesa, has abandoned an attempt to move to Washougal, Wash., and has been unable to find an alternate location.

Officials of Union Carbide Corp., which owns Phoenix, attributed the decision Wednesday to an unfavorable economic climate in Washington. But they insisted they intend to keep their promise to move the plant.

“We are committed to stopping production of arsine and phosphine in La Mesa by 1991,” said Gary Hoeing, a Union Carbide official, in a statement released by the company. “Actually, we intend for that to happen much sooner.”

Production Halt Weighed

Union Carbide is considering the possibility of dropping the gas production altogether, said James D. Secor, a spokesman for the company’s Linde Division.

“One of the options could be that we never make the product, that we acquire it,” he said in an interview.

However, he emphasized that no such decision has been made.

“We have said that we will be out of manufacturing arsine and phosphine in La Mesa,” Secor said. “Whether we technically remove ourselves out of manufacturing is an option. I’m not saying we’re taking that option.”

Arsine and phosphine are two unusually toxic gases used widely in the semiconductor industry. Exposure to as little as 500 parts per million of arsine is almost instantly lethal, according to specialists in environmental and occupational health.

In January, 1986, in response to publicity and subsequent public pressure, La Mesa Mayor Fred Nagel asked Union Carbide to relocate the Alvarado Road plant. Union Carbide quickly agreed to move out before its lease expires Jan. 1, 1991.

Moving Plan Hit Snag

However, public opposition in the Washougal area slowed the approval process for the permits required before Phoenix could build in Washington. Late last year, the state began a lengthy environmental impact review that was expected to last well into this year.

On Wednesday, Secor announced the change of plans at a press conference in a Washougal motor inn.

“The plans for the new facility have been canceled because we believe it no longer makes good business sense to continue with the project,” said Secor, reading from a statement.

Secor said “the business climate looked much better” when the plan to move to Washougal developed one year ago. Now, he said, the prospects for growth in the semiconductor industry in the area no longer justify Union Carbide’s spending $5 million to relocate there.

Secor also addressed the public opposition to the proposed plant.

“We especially regret the fuss and furor created in the community by the selection of the city as the site for our Phoenix Research facility,” he said. “Unfortunately, in the highly emotional climate created by some opponents of the project, we found it increasingly difficult to have the facts fully aired and considered on their merits.”

In an interview later, Secor said the opposition affected the company’s decision only indirectly. He said that the furor could discourage other high-tech firms from locating in the area and that the delay gave Union Carbide time to reconsider its plans.

“Based on what we see, in a way, they saved us some bucks,” he said.

Ron Bradley, La Mesa city manager, said late Wednesday that he had spoken with Phoenix President Randall Kelley and is confident that Phoenix still intends to move out.

“He wasn’t sure what their plans would be,” Bradley said. “But he assured me that they did intend to leave La Mesa on schedule. And of course, that’s our biggest concern.”

Heat From Other Area

Phoenix is also under fire from another quarter.

In early January, the county Air Pollution Control District staff ordered the plant shut down, contending it posed a threat to public health and safety. Granted a temporary reprieve by the courts, Phoenix is appealing the decision before the district’s board.

The appeal hearing began in February, and testimony is expected to be wrapped up April 15. After that, the board must decide whether to back its staff’s decision or to let the plant continue operating.

Meanwhile, Phoenix remains in operation.

According to company officials, the plant has operated in La Mesa since 1973 without a serious accident. Though there have been small mishaps within the plant, company officials say, there has never been an accidental release of arsine or phosphine into the community.