ICI Takes Action Following Two Incidents on Teesside
Jun 5 1997
ICI regrets the two incidents that have occurred at its Teesside operations, one on 4 June at its Tioxide works, Greatham and the other on 5 June on its Chemicals & Polymers site at Wilton. In both instances the company took immediate action to contain the situation in accordance with its well laid down procedures and, in the case of the Tioxide incident, with the emergency services. We have already carried out preliminary investigations to discover the causes of the incidents and we have kept the Environment Agency fully informed at every stage.
ICI regrets the two incidents that have occurred at its Teesside operations, one on 4 June at its Tioxide works, Greatham and the other on 5 June on its Chemicals & Polymers site at Wilton. In both instances the company took immediate action to contain the situation in accordance with its well laid down procedures and, in the case of the Tioxide incident, with the emergency services. We have already carried out preliminary investigations to discover the causes of the incidents and we have kept the Environment Agency fully informed at every stage.THE TIOXIDE INCIDENT
At 19.20 on 4 June at the Tioxide Europe factory at Greatham near Hartlepool a quantity of Titanium Tetrachloride liquid was accidentally released from pipework associated with a heat exchanger. This chemical on contact with moisture in the air or with water creates a dense white fume containing a Titanium by-product and hydrochloric acid mist. The site emergency procedures were activated immediately and the Cleveland Emergency Services were called in to provide assistance. Water sprays were used to knock down the fume.
Wayne Barnacal, Greatham Site Manager, said: "We shut down the relevant plant immediately and it remains closed. The incident was brought under control rapidly. The resulting white fume was diluted and dispersed by the prevailing winds. There were no injuries on site and none reported off site. A road was closed in the vicinity of the site as a precaution whilst the incident was underway. The all clear was given at 21.07. Measurements made off site and down wind of the release indicated the fume had dispersed. The response of the site team and the Cleveland Emergency Services was excellent in controlling the incident."
"Those areas affected by the incident will remain shut down until we are completely satisfied that everything has been remedied to ensure that there will be no recurrences."
THE CHEMICALS & POLYMERS INCIDENT
At about 00.30 on 5 June a leak of light oil occurred during the start up phase of the JVO6 plant at Wilton following a major overhaul. A quantity of the oil was accidentally released to the plant's drain and some reached the River Tees.
Protective booms were put in place at ICI's outfall to the river as a precaution and to contain and minimise any further release. A full investigation is being carried out.
