Vapor release brings advisory in Marshall, Livingston

Oct 08, 2008 (The Paducah Sun - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- ARKAY | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- CALVERT CITY, Ky. -- -- Residents of Calvert City and some parts of Livingston County were placed on lockdown for a short time Tuesday after a small chemical leak at Arkema Inc.

The leak happened at approximately 11:30 a.m. after a power outage at the Calvert City plant.

"That resulted in a vapor release from one of our production columns," said Stan Howard of Arkema's corporate communication department in Philadelphia. "It leaked for about 30 minutes."

Howard said the leak was a combination of hydrochloric acid and a refrigerant called 142b, which produces a visible, white-colored cloud.

"The cloud headed out over the (Tennessee) River and remained airborne," Howard said. "It didn't reach the ground."

Howard said authorities were notified and an automated telephone calling system told Calvert City residents to "shelter in place," meaning to stay inside and close all windows and air conditioning vents. The plant was not evacuated.

Livingston County Emergency Management officials gave the same warning to residents in the area from Interstate 24 to Ky. 937. Roads in the area were also closed for about two hours.

Howard said the all-clear call came at 12:07 p.m. No injuries were reported.

The power outage was isolated to Arkema. Duane Hawes of the Marshall County Emergency Services said plant officials had not determined the cause.

To see more of The Paducah Sun, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.paducahsun.com. Copyright (c) 2008, The Paducah Sun, Ky. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

More News:   Market Updates | Stock Alerts | All Trading News | Stock Index