ATCHISON -Officials continue to investigate after a chemical spill sent a noxious chemical cloud over a northeast Kansas town on Friday October 21.
The spill occurred after two chemicals were inadvertently combined at the MGP Ingredients plant in Atchison.
The chemical release created a chemical cloud over sections of Atchison and sparked evacuations.
MGP management issued the following updates Thursday:
During a routine chemical delivery by an MGP supplier to a secured portion of MGP’s property, two commonly used chemicals, sulfuric acid and sodium hypochlorite (bleach), were inadvertently mixed, causing a reaction. This reaction led to emissions of chlorine gas being released into the air.
Local officials reported the plume that resulted from the chemical release blew over an area north and west of the plant.
MGP employees took immediate action, as outlined in our safety protocols, by shutting down plant operations. Our employees also assisted first responders with evacuation procedures in the immediate vicinity of the plant.
Per protocol, MGP reported the chemical release to the EPA and to Kansas and local authorities. The EPA, as well as the Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health, conducted monitoring at the plant and in the community following the incident. Local officials issued the “all clear” for residents and local employees within three hours of the incident occurring.
Based on information we have at this time, approximately 100 people, including three MGP employees, sought medical treatment related to respiratory concerns. We understand that all who required treatment at local hospitals have been released.
MGP has and will continue to closely cooperate to investigate and to fully understand the cause and ensure that all appropriate response actions were taken. An investigation by the Chemical Safety Board (CSB) is underway. Results of the CSB’s investigation are expected to be released at a later date per that agency’s schedule and procedural practices. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have also investigated. At this time, we are unable to comment
Based on testing and analysis, we are confident our inventories of protein and starch ingredients, as well as distilled spirits, were unaffected and are safe for consumption.