The Attorney General of the State of Illinois is suing Modern Plating Corporation, a Freeport-area based company, for a chemical spill at its facility that occurred on Jan. 14, 2020. The spill created a vapor plume that effected nearby residents and waterways, according to WTVO.
If the company loses the lawsuit, it must pay the state civil penalties and develop and plan to prevent future accidents.
The Chemical spill
Even weeks later, the extent of the damage from the chemical spill is still unclear. During the accident, about 4,800 gallons of hydrochloric acid spilled out of a holding tank. While the acid itself was largely contained to the vicinity of the tank, including pavement, on-site storm water retention, and a nearby building, the resulting vapor plume covered a much wider area, including a nearby neighborhood and a pond that is connected to the Pecatonica River.
Immediately following the spill, members of the Freeport Fire Department came to the scene. The department was able to be especially effective because it had previously performed training using hazmat suits and a developed system for chemical spills. According to the Freeport’s Fire Chief, Brad Liggett, the department has specific plans for each facility in the area that works with chemicals.
In the aftermath of the spill, Modern Plating Corporation was evacuated for a day while residents in the affected neighborhood were told to stay indoors. In the days that followed, the Stephenson County Health Department held a public presentation on emergency preparedness, in the event of any future spills
A Matter of Public Health
While discussing the lawsuit, State Attorney General Kwame Raoul described his impending litigation as being focused on corporate accountability and public safety.
“Hydrochloric acid poses significant health and environmental hazards, and I am committed to ensuring the immediate and long-term impacts of this release are addressed…My office will continue working to ensure that companies are held accountable for contamination that threatens public health and our environment,” said Raoul.
Hydrochloric acid, while common in many cleaning supplies and harmless in small amounts, is hazardous in larger quantities if its vapors are inhaled. The chemical can mix with mucus membranes and other fluids in the lungs and cause a painful burning sensation.
Some local residents, noting the common nature of hydrochloric acid, made light of the accident, despite the risks.
“I heard the story and it seemed like it was a really big deal, and I heard what chemical got spilled and I said ‘oh, well we use that stuff all the time,'” said Steven Winter, the owner of a nearby brewery, speaking with WTVO.
