Chemical spills at industrial park in Leetsdale
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A chemical spill at an industrial park in Leetsdale created a white cloud and caused workers to evacuate today.
Leetsdale Borough Council President Roger Nanni said an ammonium sulfide chemical spill created the cloud, and so police issued an evacuation for a 300-yard radius in the park around 9 a.m.
He said about 2,000 pounds of the chemical spilled, and emergency officials expect workers to be able to return around 1 p.m.
Mr. Nanni said he didn't know how the spill occurred or to what extent the cloud is dangerous. He said that no evacuations have been suggested at nearby homes, but residents might want to stay inside or close their windows.
The spill is at Weatherford Engineered Chemistry, a division of Weatherford International that makes chemicals for oil and gas production.
Ammonium sulfide is a hazardous, corrosive substance used in photo development and textile manufacturing, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection. The substance is flammable and has a rotten egg or ammonia odor.
Katy Gresh, a spokeswoman for DEP, said that the department hadn't responded to the scene because it's a safety issue, and so Allegheny County emergency response officials are handling the spill.
She said the release has been contained within the building.
The Quaker Valley School District is taking precautions at the high school. Windows have been closed, a walking field trip has been canceled, and physical education classes will remain indoors.
District administrators have been in contact with emergency services, and up to this point there has been no need for concern, or to evacuate the building, the district announced.
First Published May 27, 2010 10:45 am
