Abilene ? An Abilene fertilizer plant has drawn the attention of state and federal inspectors, after residents expressed concern about safety and the smell of fumes from chemicals used at the business.

Dickinson County Administrator Brad Homman said Tuesday that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is working with the county’s emergency management director to determine how to monitor air emissions at the Abilene Products plant just east of Abilene.

The Environmental Protection Agency sent inspectors to the plant, which stores and mixes fertilizer chemicals, in early November, and a preliminary report on any potential violations is expected by mid-December, The Salina Journal reported.

Homman said the county asked for state and federal assistance to ensure the facility is operating safely because the county doesn’t have expertise in that area.

Dale Koop, owner of the plant, is cooperating because “he would like nothing better than to get the state in here to prove that he is operating safely,” Homman said.