Environmental Agencies On Site Of Fatal Chemical Incident

Agents with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are on at the Catalyst Refiners plant between Nitro and Institute, overseeing cleanup efforts and monitoring air quality in and around the facility. 

“EPA has deployed 11 air monitors around the facility and in the surrounding community. No levels of hydrogen sulfide have been detected,” said Kanawha County Commission spokesman Christopher Settles.

The plant was the site of a deadly chemical leak that happened Wednesday morning when workers were decontaminating and cleaning a tank. A cleaning agent known as M2000A mixed with nitric acid to create hydrogen sulfide in a very fast, violent reaction. Despite heroic efforts of colleagues and emergency responders, two people died at the site and a third remains hospitalized. 

Approximately 30 people sought treatment or evaluation including seven with the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority, who were all discharged from area hospitals Wednesday evening. 

Kanawha County Emergency Management and the Institute Volunteer Fire Department were also on site Thursday.