GR officials: Water safe after chemical spill
Kayla R Fortney and Chris Fleszar, WZZM 2 p.m. EDT August 5, 2015
(Photo: Becky Vargo, Grand Haven Tribune)
GRAND HAVEN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WZZM) --
Emergency crews have contained a small chemical spill at the Grand Rapids Water Filtration Plant in Grand Haven Township. The incident happened around 8:15 a.m. Wednesday.
The facility is located at 17350 Lake Michigan Drive. No injuries are reported and there is no threat to the water supply or to Grand Rapids' Water system customers.
No injuries reported in hazmat situation at GR Water Filtration Plant on Lakeshore Drive (Aug. 5, 2015) (Photo: Becky Vargo, Grand Haven Tribune)
The spill was isolated inside one room and resulted in the release of a chlorine gas into the chemical storage room. The plant was not evacuated, though workers were moved to the control room until the situation was under control.
As of 10:50 a.m., the Grand Rapids Fire Department hazmat team is leading clean-up efforts inside the chemical storage room.
According to our partner, The Grand Haven Tribune, pedestrian traffic is blocked at Lakeshore Drive and M-45, but vehicle traffic is still getting through.
Grand Haven Township Fire Chief Tom Gerencer told the tribune, a tanker was offloading hydrofluoric acid and accidentally put it in the wrong tank, which contained nearly 300 gallons of chlorine.
Residents of three homes across the street from the plant have been asked to stay inside with their windows closed and their air conditioning turned off.