The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Maryland (SSBN 738) prepares to depart Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay to conduct routine operations. (U.S. Navy photo/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Kimber)
The Brunswick News, Ga. | Sep 03, 2015 | by Gordon Jackson
KINGSLAND, GA -- Navy hazmat teams from Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay and Naval Station Mayport were called Wednesday night to respond to a chemical spill at a truck stop off Interstate 95 in Kingsland.
Mayor Ken Smith said a truck carrying calcium carbide was leaking the volatile chemical when the driver was contacted while driving on Interstate 95. The chemical began smoking when it hit the wet pavement.
The driver stopped at the Petrol truck plaza at Exit 1, where local law enforcement officials quickly took over the scene.
Authorities called the Navy's response team for chemical spills when they realized they were dealing with a potentially serious problem.
Smith said the front of the travel plaza remained open as of 9 p.m., but the rear of the plaza where trucks are parked and diesel fuel is pumped was closed to all traffic.
Authorities were waiting for the team from Mayport to arrive Wednesday night with chemicals to neutralize calcium carbide.
Smith credited the training of his police officers have had with the team from Kings Bay for quickly responding to a dangerous situation.
"We're fortunate to have Kings Bay," he said. "All of this helps a lot. I've been telling people that for years."