Hazmat situation resolved at Kingsland, Ga. truck stop
A Kingsland truck stop is back open Thursday morning after a potentially dangerous situation.
First Coast News 9:13 a.m. EDT September 3, 2015
The chemical is not combustible but forms a flammable gas on contact with water or damp air, according to the CDC.
(Photo: Submitted)
KINGSLAND, Ga. — Crews from as far away as Naval Air Station Jacksonville responded to a hazmat situation at a truck stop in Kingsland, Georgia Wednesday night, officials told First Coast News.
Officials said calcium carbide residue, stored inside barrels on a flatbed truck, created fumes that were initially thought to be the result of a chemical leak. The situation shut down Petro Kingsland, a truck stop located in the 1100 block of East King Avenue off Interstate 95 South Exit 3.
Authorities did not order any evacuations connected to the exposure, but said they were concerned because the chemical is considered highly volatile, the mayor told First Coast News. Hazardous materials teams responded to the scene with nearly a dozen crews. Authorities said the fumes were created when rain reacted with calcium carbide residue on the truck.
Hull's Environmental Services, based out of Jacksonville, cleaned up the scene around midnight Thursday. Employees with Hull's told First Coast News they assessed the truck and truck bed and deemed everything was being transported properly.
The chemical is not combustible but forms a flammable gas on contact with water or damp air, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When it reacts with water, it forms the flammable gas acetylene.
Authorities were forced to shut off the lights to the parking lot and formed a 300-yard radius around the truck while the situation was being assessed, Sgt. Belcher confirmed.
Volatile chemical spill reported in Kingsland
The CDC reports calcium carbide it can cause coughing, labored breathing and sore throat if inhaled; it also causes redness and skin burns on contact. If it makes contact with the eyes, it can cause redness, pain, blurred vision and severe deep burns.
The Camden County Sheriff's Office, Camden County Fire Rescue, Kingsland Fire Rescue, Kingsland Police, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay and NAS Jacksonville responded to the scene.