U.S. Chemical Safety Board investigates chemical release at Austin Powder Company plant

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VINTON COUNTY, Ohio (WOWK) — The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has launched an investigation into the release of toxic nitric acid and nitrogen oxide gas at the Austin Powder Company’s Red Diamond facility.

The incident happened on June 11 at the commercial explosives manufacturing plant near McArthur in Vinton County, Ohio.

The CSB is sending an investigator to the site to begin fact-finding efforts surrounding the incident.

According to state officials, the release occurred after “an unknown contaminant” entered a 5,000-gallon tank containing nitric acid and purportedly caused a chemical reaction that released nitrogen oxide gas. 

A large, brownish-colored plume of the gas covered the facility and much of the surrounding area. 

Emergency management officials ordered an evacuation of a three-mile radius around the facility, and hundreds of residents in the nearby community of Zaleski were also evacuated.

The Federal Aviation Administration also temporarily restricted flights for a 30-nautical-mile radius surrounding the facility.

The CSB says they will be working with other local, state, and federal officials to assess the situation and determine the path forward.