A recent chemical leak incident at the Austin Powder Plant, a commercial explosives manufacturing facility in McArthur, Ohio, released 3,000 gallons of nitric acid into the air. The resulting hazardous orange plume of nitric oxide prompted emergency evacuations in the nearby town of Zaleski, road closures, and even a temporary no-fly zone.
What Caused the Incident?
The Ohio EPA reported that an "unknown contaminant" entered a 5,000-gallon process tank that contained nitric acid, leading to a dangerous chemical reaction. Although no injuries were reported, authorities are currently assessing the potential environmental and public health risks associated with the leak. Air quality monitoring continues as officials work to understand the full impact of the incident.
The Ramifications of a Pollution Incident
This incident underscores the critical need for businesses handling hazardous materials to have pollution liability insurance. Even in situations where a leak is contained, the financial ramifications can be significant, including:
- Costly emergency response efforts
- Evacuation and regulatory investigation expenses
- Reputational damage that may lead to lost business
A comprehensive pollution liability policy can cover cleanup costs, third-party bodily injury, property damage claims, and legal fees, helping to protect your business from the financial fallout of environmental incidents.
Action Steps for Business Owners
Taking proactive measures can safeguard your business against unforeseen environmental liabilities and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Business owners in industries such as manufacturing, chemical processing, or transportation should consult with an insurance professional to identify the potential pollution exposures specific to their operations and review their existing coverage to ensure they are properly protected for pollution incidents.
The Austin Powder Plant incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with handling hazardous chemicals and the importance of protecting your business through environmental insurance and robust risk management strategies.