Dozens Being Treated After Water Treatment Chemical Spill
Update 4:57 p.m. – All lanes of U.S. 280 are open. Officials say it is safe to go outside.
Dozens of workers are being treated at area hospitals following a chemical spill this morning at the Birmingham Water Works treatment plant off U.S. 280. Officials say they’re being treated for respiratory problems. Fourteen people were transported to hospitals initially, with an additional 40 being treated as a precautionary measure, officials say.
The water supply hasn’t been affected, according to Rick Jackson, spokesman for the Birmingham Water Works. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management says it is monitoring the situation.
The spill happened around 9:30 a.m., according to Birmingham Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Sebastian Carrillo.
Jackson says officials are unsure what caused the spill. Two chemicals used in treating the water — sodium hypochlorite and ferric sulfate — mixed together. Normally they remain separate in the water treatment process. When they’re combined, they release a toxic gas.
Officials are monitoring air quality and wind conditions to see if gases escaped from the plant. Officials haven’t evacuated the area, but encourage residents to remain in place. Traffic on U.S. 280 is being diverted due to the spill.
Mountain Brook police warn of the effects of exposure to chlorine gas: sneezing, nose irritation, burning sensation, throat irritation, nausea, vomiting, headache. Skin or eye irritation or chemical burns also are possible.
Homewood school officials announced that while they’re not under threat, they’re keeping students inside as a precautionary measure.
The plant is the state’s largest water treatment facility, according to the utility. It was in the midst of a major renovation when the spill took place.
Lawmakers threaten Attorney General Bondi with contempt over incomplete Epstein files
The Justice Department is defending its initial release of documents related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, saying lawyers are still going through them to ensure victims are protected.
How a power outage in Colorado caused U.S. official time be 4.8 microseconds off
Officials said the error is likely be too minute for the general public to clock it, but it could affect applications such as critical infrastructure, telecommunications and GPS signals.
Scientists say they have discovered 20 new species deep in the Pacific Ocean
Researchers retrieved reef monitoring devices that had been placed in deep coral reefs in Guam. The devices were placed up to 330 feet below the surface.
Shopping for pricy ACA health plans? Some cheaper options come with trade-offs
Without a fix from Congress, costs for many people who buy health care on the Affordable Care Act marketplace have gone up. Here's what's to know about cheaper choices — and pitfalls to be aware of.
Cartagena’s iconic horse carriages give way to electric buggies
Cartagena, Colombia, is set to ban its iconic horse-drawn carriages, replacing them with electric buggies — a move dividing the historic city over tradition, tourism, and animal welfare.
New Orleans musicians share their favorite Christmas songs, from bounce to blues
Rosemary Westwood from member station WWNO asked a few of New Orlean's favorite musicians about the songs they like to listen to around Christmas.
