A chemical spill in Bristol Township was quickly contained and there is no serious threat to residents.
According to Fire Marshal Kevin Dippolito, he was dispatched along with other first responders to the Arkema Initiative Chemistry plant on Route 413 for reports of a “small spill” that had already been contained Tuesday morning.
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The chemical spilled, Ethyl Acrylate, is “used in the manufacture of water-based latex paints and adhesives, textile and paper coatings, leather finish resins, and in the production of acrylic fibers,” according to an EPA fact sheet.
“Plant representatives advised us a tote containing 300 gallons of Ethyl Acrylate fell off a forklift spilling approx. 150 gallons,” Dippolito said. “The spill had already been absorbed with oil dry and placed in sealed 55 gallon drums prior to our arrival, and a neutralizer had been sprayed on the asphalt where the chemical pooled in order to reduce the odor.”
Students at Mary Devine Elementary School in nearby Croydon were pulled inside due to the chemical spill as a precaution, school officials said.
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The chemical did disperse an odor in the area, according to nearby residents. Manufactures of the chemical said it has a strong odor.
The EPA notes in their website the short-term exposure to Ethyl Acrylate can cause drowsiness, lethargy, headache, nausea, convulsions, and respiratory and gastrointestinal irritation.
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Arkema called out a contractor to excavate asphalt in the area of the spill, the fire marshal said.
Here’s a copy of the letter sent to Mary Devine parents:
Parents and Guardians,
There was an incident this morning at Arkema Chemical Company. The Fire Marshal has determined this to be a minor incident, posing no danger to the health of the students or community. 300 gallons of Ethylacralate spilled and was immediately cleaned up. A portion of the facility voluntarily evacuated. Reports came to the school and we immediately brought all children inside, closed doors and windows, and contacted emergency response personnel for instructions.
Arkema is in the process of removing asphalt from beneath the spill location. As long as this asphalt remained there was the possibility of the odor returning/increasing. In consultation with the Fire Marshal and District Superintendent, we kept the students in the building with windows closed for the rest of the day as we resumed our normal schedule.
According to the authorities our students were never in any danger. All measures taken were precautionary and followed district safety procedures.
Special thanks go out to our PTO and all the volunteers who did so much to bring the carnival inside. The children were able to play games, races, and even ride the Moon Bounce while enjoying popcorn and treats.
Brian Galloway
Acting Principal
