GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN (WZZM) --
Grand Rapids fire crews temporarily issued a shelter in place order following a chemical release on the city's northwest side.
The hazardous material situation happened around 1 p.m. Tuesday at Haviland Enterprises, located near Turner Avenue and Ann Street NW.
The Grand Rapids fire chief tells WZZM 13 an oxidizer reaction occurred, sending a chemical plume in the air. This involved the same chemicals as a similar release in Sept. 2014.
Police closed Turner Avenue from Ann Street to Edwin as a precaution, as well as the Ann Street exit from U.S. 131. All nearby roads were reopened at 3 p.m. when police left the scene.
Today's hazardous materials release at Haviland Enterprises is the third such emergency in 16 months.
Last September, pool chemicals, known as oxidizers, got wet, creating a chlorine plume at the chemical plant located at Ann Street and Turner Avenue NW. State inspectors closed that case two weeks later without assessing fines or penalties.
Firefighters evacuated businesses along Turner where the plume was strongest. Residents living north of the area were advised to stay inside because the gas release could create breathing discomfort.
A similar hazmat situation occurred in March 13, 2014 when dry agents reacted, also releasing a chemical plume. Haviland last July was fined $3,500 for the incident; it was reduced $1,750.
The company, founded in 1934, has two divisions, one provides specialty chemicals for things like surface finishing while the consumer products division distributes more than 85 different swimming pool chemicals.
HISTORY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS AT HAVILAND'S ANN STREET PLANT
Sept. 15, 2014: Chemical accident sends a vapor plume into the air, forcing evacuation of nearby businesses. State inspectors close its investigation two week later, no fines or penalties assessed.
March 13, 2014: A hazardous cloud from a chemical reaction occurs during a mixing process at the plant. Haviland employees were evacuated and those nearby told to stay indoors. Haviland is cited for a serious violation and fined $3,500. The fine is later reduced to $1,750.
June, 2003: Grand Rapids Fire Department responds to a nighttime chemical spill. In that case, about a dozen gallons of hydrochloric acid spilled out due to a mechanical failure. There were no injuries and again at the time, company officials said the public was never in danger.
May 10, 2002: About 1,000 gallons of hydrochloric acid spills in a chemical containment area, causing an acid cloud that passes over U.S. 131, forcing a closure of the freeway. Fifteen people were treated. Haviland is cited for five serious violations and fined $5,750. The fine was reduced to $2,875.
July 8, 1991: A warehouse fire and at least three explosions at Haviland Products Co. causes an estimated $1 million in damage and sends an ominous black cloud over the city. Police advised residents living beneath the two-mile cloud to stay indoors. The fire was initially thought to be a chlorine leak. At the time, the EPA said Haviland had not reported the release of 1,700 pounds of chlorine during that fire, something the company denied.