Columbus, Kan. ? An administrative law judge has revoked the license of an explosives plant in southeastern Kansas where federal agents found four times more explosives than the plant’s license allowed.

Administrative Law Judge Jesse Butler blasted Slurry Explosive Corp. plant manager Terry Wright in his revocation order.

The massive amount of explosives stored at the site “does not appear to be merely an accident or negligence, but instead indicates gross neglect,” Butler wrote.

Agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms seized the plant Jan. 29.

Robert Mosley, ATF director of industry operations, said the judge’s ruling prohibits the company from manufacturing explosives at the plant. He said a sister company, Universal Tech Corp., can apply for a new license.

Slurry attorney Steve Hill said the company can appeal the decision to the director of the ATF or to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Hill said the company has not decided whether to appeal.

The ruling, issued Friday, describes ATF inspections and citations in 1995, 1996 and 1999. The ATF warned the company in 1995 and 1999 that it could lose its license.

The ATF inspected and cited the plant again on Oct. 30 and 31 in response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The plant was shut down after more inspections in January.

Inspectors found 4.4 million pounds of explosives at the plant. It was licensed for 90,000 pounds.

Butler wrote that even the company’s expert testified that Wright, the plant manager, was more eager to make money than to follow regulations.