West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Environmental Agencies On Site Of Fatal Chemical Incident

Published
Maria Young
A wide shot of a sign on a clear, cloudy day that reads, "Ames Goldsmith Catalyst Refiners."

Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the DEP’s Environmental Enforcement teams are investigating Catalyst Refiners facility to examine both the cause of the fatal incident as well as the facility’s overall compliance with state and federal regulations.

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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.

A dozen cleanup workers are seen far from the camera standing together nearby Catalyst Refiners. It's a sunny day. A parked truck is also visible with an open door.
Catalyst Refiners remains temporarily closed while cleanup continues and state and federal officials investigate the incident.

Photo Credit: Maria Young/West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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.

Catalyst Refiners is a chemical manufacturing subsidiary of Ames Goldsmith, a precious metals manufacturer based in New York state.

Photo Credit: Maria Young/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
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