Thursday, June 16, 2016

A gas buildup inside the Gehl Foods plant in Germantown, WI caused a chemical spill that sent five to the hospital


Chemical spill at Gehl Foods plant leaves five with minor injuries


The Gehl Foods plant in Germantown, WI is located on Main Street. The plant was evacuated June 7 after a chemical spill.


By Madeline Heim

June 14, 2016
 


 Germantown, WI

A gas buildup inside the Gehl Foods plant in Germantown on June 7 caused a chemical spill that sent five to the hospital with minor respiratory issues.

According to a press release from the Germantown Fire Department, a contractor had accidentally mixed two materials that created chlorine and sulfur dioxide, which eventually caused a pressure breach that released product and gas inside the facility.

All employees at the plant were evacuated, with five sent to Community Memorial Hospital after complaining of respiratory distress.

Responders on the scene determined the product could be flushed and diluted to a safe point. According to the release, the Washington County Hazmat Team monitored the situation in and around the building.

The area was released back to Gehl Foods after air monitoring was completed and the pH at the scene was neutral.