“We were aware they took a delivery that day. . . . I doubt that the delivery of that chemical made any difference that day,’’ he said in a telephone interview. “They had the chemicals on site.’’

A consultant hired by the Danversport Trust presented an analysis last night that showed how the blast could have been foreseen, relying on a review of the amount of chemicals stored on the site and used in the manufacturing process.

“When you think about it, they’re dumping a lot of combustible explosives off in a residential area,’’ said Erdem Ural, an explosives specialist.

The Danversport Trust recently accepted a $7 million settlement from CAI to avoid litigation. But with almost $30 million in total losses, for property damage and emotional suffering, the settlement did not come close to compensating residents for losses not covered by insurance. Many residents received less than $1,000 in settlement checks mailed last month.

Susan Tropeano, a leader of a neighborhood group called SAFE, said residents think more government oversight of chemical transportation is needed. “These companies all deliver large quantities of explosives,’’ she said.

The transport of hazardous materials is governed by federal laws. Companies that distribute chemicals must have permits and follow a safety plan, according to the US Department of Transportation.

Schlichtmann said the Danversport Trust has presented its findings to the company.

“We’re calling on them to sit down and own up to their responsibility and make this right,’’ he said. “We believe the evidence is very strong that they contributed to this explosion.’’

Although a legal complaint has not been filed against the company, Ashland said it is preparing its defense.

“Ashland fulfilled all of its duties and responsibilities and played no role in this tragic situation,’’ the company said in a statement. “We intend to vigorously defend against these meritless claims at the proper time and place, and we expect to be fully vindicated.’’

John Ellement of the Globe staff contributed to this report. Kathy McCabe can be reached at kmccabe@globe.com.

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