Chemical Spill Leaves 300,000 West Virginia Residents Without Water
Thousands of West Virginia Residents are without water after a chemical spill leaked into the Elk river.
On Thursday, January 9, a licorice-like smell was noticed throughout Charleston prompting Gov. Tomblin is issue a water order to all customers of West Virginia American Water saying do not drink, bathe, cook, or wash clothes with water from the tap. Counties affected by the drinking water contamination include Boone, Cabell, Jackson, Clay, Logan, Lincoln, Roane and Putnam, the Associated Press reports.
The chemical, 4-methylcyclohexane methanol (MCHM), is used by Freedom Industries, which manufacturers chemical for various industries, including steel, mining and cement, to clean coal. According to the New York Times, (NYT) 48,000 gallons of the chemical was stored in a tank near the Elk River, about a mile above a water treatment plant. The chemical leaked from the storage tank, filled its overflow containment and flowed into the river.
Tom Aluise, spokesperson for the Department of Environmental Protection said the agency was “confident that no more than 5,000 gallons escaped” from the 48,000 gallon tank, but they are also unsure as to how long the tank had been leaking. While the chemical is not “particularly lethal in its usage form”, restaurants, day-care centers, bars, and other businesses that need health permits in Kanawha and Putnam counties were notified to “cease operations immediately” following the Governors warning. Schools in at least five counties remain closed because of the chemical spill.
According to the Charleston Gazette, emergency officials know little about the chemical MCHM, however, one material-safety data sheet said “no specific information is available … regarding the toxic effects of this material for humans. However, exposure to any chemical should be kept to a minimum,” the MSDS said. “Skin and eye contact may result in irritation. May be harmful if inhaled or ingested.”
State and federal officials are not sure how long it will take to clean the spill, nor for how long residents will be left with unsafe drinking water.
About Wright & Schulte LLC
Wright & Schulte LLC, a personal injury firm, is dedicated to the belief that America’s legal system should work for the people. Every day, the attorneys of Wright & Schulte LLC stand up for the rights of people who have been injured by the negligence or misconduct of others. Whether it is a personal injury due to a highway accident, medical malpractice, product liability, nursing home abuse, a construction accident, wrongful death, or any other lawsuits we are always here to answer any questions and help in any way we can. It costs nothing to talk to us, so schedule a free initial consultation. There is no obligation. You can have the advice of a respected legal professional. Contact our office at yourohiolegalhelp.com or by phone at (937)-222-7477 to set up your free appointment.
This entry was posted in Wright & Schulte News. Bookmark the permalink.
←Freezing Ohio Temperatures Causing Car Trouble: 6 Tips to Open an Iced Car Door
FDA Warns OTC Laxatives May Cause Serious Side Effects After 13 People Die→