Well, this time it can’t be blamed on a train. But an actual biolab in Louisiana leaked toxic chemicals and residents of Westlake were given a shelter in place order. Is it me? Or are these toxic leaks happening a lot more frequently than they used to?
A visible vapor cloud could be seen in the area this morning, and air monitors confirmed chlorine in the air, state police said.
KPLC first received reports of a possible chemical leak around 9:45 a.m.
Authorities were initially unsure of the source of the leak and were searching the area around BioLab.
Around 11:15 a.m., Sgt. James Anderson, with state police, said officials confirmed the leak was coming from BioLab. State police emergency technicians are inside the plant.
Louisiana DEQ spokesman Greg Langley, based in Baton Rouge, said the leak was in a chlorine transport line going into Biolab.
“The line has been shut in, and our responders continue to conduct air monitoring with no elevated chlorine readings in the area,” he said.
Phillips 66, which is just across the interstate from BioLab, said it ordered the evacuation of contractors and non-essential personnel. They said they received several reports of eye and nose irritation along with a chorine smell.