Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Chlorine spill reported near Olin plant in Cleveland, OH


A reported chlorine spill near the Olin Chlor Alkali Products Division plant early this morning temporarily shut down Hiwassee River traffic, but area residents were not in immediate danger, according to the Bradley County Emergency Management Agency.

The apparent leak occurred at about 5:30 a.m., with emergency responders being dispatched a short time afterward — including Bradley County Fire-Rescue crews who were reportedly dispatched at about 9 a.m.

According to EMA, the leak was located and contained; however, emergency crews, including the Cleveland Fire Department Hazardous Inicident Response Unit, were still on-site by late morning.

Troy Spence, Bradley County EMA director, reported crews expected the river to be reopened later this morning.

When the leak was first discovered, EMA encouraged area residents to stay inside their homes, and boat traffic was veered away from the scene as a precautionary measure. Since that time, the danger has reportedly passed.

A full story will be published in Thursday’s edition of the Cleveland Daily Banner.