PITTSBURG — A chlorine leak from a railway car owned by an agricultural chemical company prompted a hazmat response and a public health advisory for much of Sunday afternoon, but officials say the problem has been largely resolved and that no injuries or adverse effects to people were reported.
The Contra Costa County Fire Prevention District got a request for a hazardous materials response around 11 a.m. after someone at the Corteva Agriscience plant on Loveridge Road notified authorities about a pool of moisture collecting underneath a rail tanker car and a distinct odor.
The rail car was identified as carrying chlorine, and ConFire dispatched a hazmat team to the site, while the county health department issued a public advisory to a potential health hazard posed by the leak.
Residents were told to be wary of eye, skin, nose or throat irritation, and that they should rinse affected area with water. Those with respiratory sensitivity were told to stay indoors or avoid the area.
But that risk did not come to pass, thanks in part to the fact that Corteva, which produces fungicides, herbicides, insecticides and seed treatments that protect against weeds and diseases, is located at least half a mile from any residential areas, said Fire Prevention Capt. Joe Ottolini.
He added that the amount of chlorine that leaked as “very small,” and that the hazmat response was out of an abundance of caution.
As of 3:20 p.m., public health officials affirmed that no health impacts from the leak had been reported, and Ottolini said none of the ConFire personnel at the site suffered any effects. By 5 p.m., Ottolini said hazmat technicians were assessing a final resolution, which would involve Corteva and included possibly moving the rail car.
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- Chlorine leak prompts hazmat response at chemical plant
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