If the company set up first, then it was an act of absolute stupidity to set up schools, homes, or nursing homes near it. However, if the plant was set up afterwards, the company could potentially be facing charges for setting up such a potentially dangerous plant near schools, homes, and nursing homes.
If there were any regulations about it then it was a violation of them either way. But don’t drive down the street past a skool with your legally owned pistol or dove hunting shotgun in the car.