These reports describe significant environmental incidents reported to and tracked by the National Response Center. They reflect both new incidents and follow-up information describing actions taken for previously reported events. The NRC publishes Incident Summary Reports periodically upon receipt of documentary information from the Federal On-Scene Coordinator.
| NRC Case #: | 023-98 |
|---|---|
| INSUM #: | Sitrep One |
| Occurence Date: | 20 August |
| Location: | Philadelphia, PA |
| Source: | Chemical Mixing Process |
| Material: | Dicyclopentadiene |
| Severity: | Major |
| Quantity Discharged: | 10,000 Pounds |
| Quantity in Water: | None |
| Body of Water Affected: | None |
| Federal On-Scene Coordinator: | MSO Philadelphia |
SITUATION: On Thursday, August 20, 1998, process engineers at the Philadelphia Ashland Chemical Plant lost control of a chemical mixing process. Batch temperatures and reaction rate accelerated beyond mixing vessel capacity. The result was a release of gaseous reactants and byproducts. The Ashland Plant was evacuated and portions of I-95 were closed at the Walt Whitman Bridge. The chemicals involved are respiratory and skin irritants, which may also cause kidney damage and affect the central nervous system. The National Response Center received numerous calls from concerned citizens, who observed the cloud of gas leaving the plant. CASE PENDS.