MARCH 16, 2015
MENASHA, WISCONSIN (AP)
The all-clear has been sounded in Menasha after a chemical
leak prompted an evacuation order for more than two dozen homes.
Authorities say an "organic polymer" was being
unloaded at the SCA Tissue plant, 190 Tayco Street, shortly after 8 a.m. Monday
when it leaked and came into contact with another chemical, sodium hypochlorite.
The chemicals are used in cleaning water from the
paper-making process.
WLUK-TV (http://bit.ly/1LjVXJ6) reports the two reacted,
creating heat, giving off gasses and causing an explosion that blew off part of
a roof of the plant where the chemicals are located.
No one was hurt.
Fire officials say homes to the south of the plant were
evacuated as a gas plume filled the air. Hazardous materials crews were called
in to handle the spill.