Comments on: Chemical Leak At Pace Plant http://www.northescambia.com/2013/01/chemical-leak-at-pace-plant Local News for Molino, Bratt, McDavid, Century, Walnut Hill, Cantonment Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:31:43 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Kathy Hanna http://www.northescambia.com/2013/01/chemical-leak-at-pace-plant/comment-page-1#comment-203101 Kathy Hanna Sun, 05 May 2013 20:48:27 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=125610#comment-203101 Actually, I've been living in Pea Ridge about 15 yrs. and didn't know Tominco was a chemical plant. I thought it made plastics. Why would such a thing be allowed in a community? This needs to be out in a remote area where people can't be harmed. What's the matter w/ you people? There are schools across the street! Actually, I’ve been living in Pea Ridge about 15 yrs. and didn’t know Tominco was a chemical plant. I thought it made plastics. Why would such a thing be allowed in a community? This needs to be out in a remote area where people can’t be harmed. What’s the matter w/ you people? There are schools across the street!

]]> By: FACTS... http://www.northescambia.com/2013/01/chemical-leak-at-pace-plant/comment-page-1#comment-183339 FACTS... Sat, 26 Jan 2013 02:31:23 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=125610#comment-183339 I am posting this, but want to make it known I should not. I work at the plant, and was there when this happened. The reason I am posting this is because of all the uninformed opinions and assumptions that make it look like the plant is dumping hazardous waste into the water and air. I can tell you that is not true at all. The leak was stopped FAST (no I do not know for sure how it happened), but the vapor cloud was pretty large. It was slowly drifting from the middle of the plant to the East towards the contractors gate (which is not in use). It was almost gone by the time it reached the woods, and that is least a 1/4 mile from Watkins Road. So guess what, brakes rust and water spots happen. I have a friend that lives over there and did not smell anything after it happened. The in plant siren gets tested every Wednesday at 10am, and has been for years. The outside sirens are tested the first weekend of the month (Sunday I think). I agree that the people around the plant should have been given a heads up about what the sirens actually mean and what to do. I know a lot of flack has been given over not getting instructions after the siren but have heard that when the guards WOULD have done it they were getting non-stop phone calls (from everyone wanting answers about what was happening) and had people hurt that they were helping. I have worked out there for years, and have NO health problems from working around all over the plant. I know they do everything they can to not have any type of spill, even small ones. I know people always complain about the smell, but from what I have seen it is from the ponds in the back that are breaking down the treated wastewater (using algae I heard). This plant has one of the best safety records of any plants I have worked in. They are always on us about being safe and following the rules. So before you start trying to throw conspiracy theories or trying to pass blame, check your facts first. If you call the offices on Monday they will talk to you, and if you ask they may bring you in to see what they do. Only way to find out is to ask! I am posting this, but want to make it known I should not. I work at the plant, and was there when this happened. The reason I am posting this is because of all the uninformed opinions and assumptions that make it look like the plant is dumping hazardous waste into the water and air. I can tell you that is not true at all.

The leak was stopped FAST (no I do not know for sure how it happened), but the vapor cloud was pretty large. It was slowly drifting from the middle of the plant to the East towards the contractors gate (which is not in use). It was almost gone by the time it reached the woods, and that is least a 1/4 mile from Watkins Road. So guess what, brakes rust and water spots happen. I have a friend that lives over there and did not smell anything after it happened.

The in plant siren gets tested every Wednesday at 10am, and has been for years. The outside sirens are tested the first weekend of the month (Sunday I think). I agree that the people around the plant should have been given a heads up about what the sirens actually mean and what to do. I know a lot of flack has been given over not getting instructions after the siren but have heard that when the guards WOULD have done it they were getting non-stop phone calls (from everyone wanting answers about what was happening) and had people hurt that they were helping.

I have worked out there for years, and have NO health problems from working around all over the plant. I know they do everything they can to not have any type of spill, even small ones. I know people always complain about the smell, but from what I have seen it is from the ponds in the back that are breaking down the treated wastewater (using algae I heard).

This plant has one of the best safety records of any plants I have worked in. They are always on us about being safe and following the rules. So before you start trying to throw conspiracy theories or trying to pass blame, check your facts first. If you call the offices on Monday they will talk to you, and if you ask they may bring you in to see what they do. Only way to find out is to ask!

]]> By: FLSTCI http://www.northescambia.com/2013/01/chemical-leak-at-pace-plant/comment-page-1#comment-183324 FLSTCI Sat, 26 Jan 2013 00:57:59 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=125610#comment-183324 @ Public Genius, How did my rotors get heavily saturated with water when it has not rained @ Public Genius, How did my rotors get heavily saturated with water when it has not rained

]]> By: j wright http://www.northescambia.com/2013/01/chemical-leak-at-pace-plant/comment-page-1#comment-183250 j wright Fri, 25 Jan 2013 18:36:24 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=125610#comment-183250 To all that say that it is John's fault for not know about the alarm it is very obvious that you do not live next to Air Products (Tominco). They randomly test the alarms which reach out to bell lane. The actual emergency that happened today was I am sure disregard as just another test of the system as I live next to Air Products and heard the siren as well. I just thought it was another test. They need to inform people of the spill over the loud speakers and not just another bell alarm which they are currently utilizing. To all that say that it is John’s fault for not know about the alarm it is very obvious that you do not live next to Air Products (Tominco). They randomly test the alarms which reach out to bell lane. The actual emergency that happened today was I am sure disregard as just another test of the system as I live next to Air Products and heard the siren as well. I just thought it was another test. They need to inform people of the spill over the loud speakers and not just another bell alarm which they are currently utilizing.

]]> By: Public Genius http://www.northescambia.com/2013/01/chemical-leak-at-pace-plant/comment-page-1#comment-183208 Public Genius Fri, 25 Jan 2013 16:00:41 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=125610#comment-183208 @FLSTCI Beacuse your rotors were heavily saturated with water. IF it was from the chemical leak there would be much evidence of it than just rust on your rotors. For instance, every thing made from aluminum would be corroded as methylamine is HIGHLY corrosive to aluminum and some other metal alloys. So unless your wheels are falling apart, no worries. You're ok, you're not going to die, your dogs aren't going to die. It was just a chemical leak; it happens all the time, trust me. @FLSTCI Beacuse your rotors were heavily saturated with water. IF it was from the chemical leak there would be much evidence of it than just rust on your rotors. For instance, every thing made from aluminum would be corroded as methylamine is HIGHLY corrosive to aluminum and some other metal alloys. So unless your wheels are falling apart, no worries. You’re ok, you’re not going to die, your dogs aren’t going to die. It was just a chemical leak; it happens all the time, trust me.

]]> By: FLSTCI http://www.northescambia.com/2013/01/chemical-leak-at-pace-plant/comment-page-1#comment-183106 FLSTCI Fri, 25 Jan 2013 02:57:23 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=125610#comment-183106 There was alot more to this spill than they are telling us. I live a few miles from Taminco. I did not drive my truck today, I used other transportation. You can clearly see heavy rust on my brake rotors when looking at my wheels. Normally I can leave my truck setting for a week or more and no rust unless it rains. Since I drove my truck yesterday, why is there "HEAVY" rust on my rotors tonight? There was alot more to this spill than they are telling us. I live a few miles from Taminco. I did not drive my truck today, I used other transportation. You can clearly see heavy rust on my brake rotors when looking at my wheels. Normally I can leave my truck setting for a week or more and no rust unless it rains. Since I drove my truck yesterday, why is there “HEAVY” rust on my rotors tonight?

]]> By: anonymous http://www.northescambia.com/2013/01/chemical-leak-at-pace-plant/comment-page-1#comment-183060 anonymous Thu, 24 Jan 2013 21:24:59 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=125610#comment-183060 agreed genius. if you live near a chemical plant you should already be aware of the dangers and what to do. if you hear alarms, that generally indicates a problem. if you hear a fire alarm in a building, do you just assume its a test and go on about your business? if there is an emergency situation at the plant, do you expect really expect someone to be sitting at their desk waiting for you to call and ask what is happening? and do you think you would be the only one calling? if you got no answer, it was either because they were dealing with a serious situation, or they were flooded with calls. agreed genius. if you live near a chemical plant you should already be aware of the dangers and what to do.

if you hear alarms, that generally indicates a problem. if you hear a fire alarm in a building, do you just assume its a test and go on about your business?

if there is an emergency situation at the plant, do you expect really expect someone to be sitting at their desk waiting for you to call and ask what is happening? and do you think you would be the only one calling? if you got no answer, it was either because they were dealing with a serious situation, or they were flooded with calls.

]]> By: Public Genius http://www.northescambia.com/2013/01/chemical-leak-at-pace-plant/comment-page-1#comment-183037 Public Genius Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:56:02 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=125610#comment-183037 For all of the "concerned citizens" out there, you can request a copy the plant emergency policy. This would tell you what alarm is sounding and what you should do. Also, MSDS sheets are published on the plant website which tells you the properties of the chemicals, the hazards associated and how to respond to exposure. If you live next to a plant you should know what the risks are living there and be as informed as the workers inside the plant on what to do in an emergency. For all of the “concerned citizens” out there, you can request a copy the plant emergency policy. This would tell you what alarm is sounding and what you should do. Also, MSDS sheets are published on the plant website which tells you the properties of the chemicals, the hazards associated and how to respond to exposure. If you live next to a plant you should know what the risks are living there and be as informed as the workers inside the plant on what to do in an emergency.

]]> By: Pea Ridge Mom http://www.northescambia.com/2013/01/chemical-leak-at-pace-plant/comment-page-1#comment-183027 Pea Ridge Mom Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:58:30 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=125610#comment-183027 My children go to Pea Ridge Elem and the school did a call out to make parents aware of the situation. My children go to Pea Ridge Elem and the school did a call out to make parents aware of the situation.

]]> By: John Porter http://www.northescambia.com/2013/01/chemical-leak-at-pace-plant/comment-page-1#comment-183009 John Porter Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:31:23 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=125610#comment-183009 "THE TIMELINE OF THIS STORY IS A BIT DIFFERENT THE HORNS SOUNDED AT 705AM THEN ALARMS WENT OFF FOR ABOUT 3 MIN THEN NO INSTRUCTIONS ON WHAT TO DO FOR THE PEOPLE THAT LIVE AROUND THE PLANT CALLED TAMINCO NO ANSWER CALLED 911 AND WAS TOLD TO STAY IN MY HOUSE BECAUSE OF A LEAK FINALLY AT 745AM GOT A HOLD OF SOMEONE AT TAMINCO … THE SECURITY MEASURES AT THE PLANT NEEDS LOOKING AT FOR I WAS STANDING OUTSIDE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON SINCE I HAD NO IDEA I WAS LIVING NEXT TO A CHEMICAL PLANT…NOW DO I NEED TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING SICK?? I’M SURE I WILL NOT GET AN ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION…SAD" You purchase a house or rent a property and had "no idea" you live next to a chemical plant - NO that is sad... “THE TIMELINE OF THIS STORY IS A BIT DIFFERENT

THE HORNS SOUNDED AT 705AM THEN ALARMS WENT OFF FOR ABOUT 3 MIN THEN NO INSTRUCTIONS ON WHAT TO DO FOR THE PEOPLE THAT LIVE AROUND THE PLANT

CALLED TAMINCO NO ANSWER
CALLED 911 AND WAS TOLD TO STAY IN MY HOUSE BECAUSE OF A LEAK
FINALLY AT 745AM GOT A HOLD OF SOMEONE AT TAMINCO …

THE SECURITY MEASURES AT THE PLANT NEEDS LOOKING AT FOR I WAS STANDING OUTSIDE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON SINCE I HAD NO IDEA I WAS LIVING NEXT TO A CHEMICAL PLANT…NOW DO I NEED TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING SICK??
I’M SURE I WILL NOT GET AN ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION…SAD”

You purchase a house or rent a property and had “no idea” you live next to a chemical plant – NO that is sad…

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