UPDATE: August 27 at 6 p.m.
A chlorine gas leak at the Mount Vernon Water Plant prompted a multi-agency emergency response on Wednesday, temporarily shutting down a major roadway and forcing local schools to keep students indoors as a precaution.
First responders in hazmat suits and emergency vehicles blocked the entrance to the water treatment facility after workers discovered a leak in a large chlorine gas tank.
"At concentrated 100% chlorine will kill you pretty much instantly," said Somerset Special Response Team Chief Steve Woods. "Even diluted, it will burn you, burn your respiratory tract, hurt the environment."
One employee was exposed to the chlorine gas and had to be decontaminated at a hospital, though no injuries were reported.
Police temporarily shut down U.S. 25 near the facility while crews worked to contain the leak. Officials used weather monitoring software and National Weather Service data to track the direction of the chemical plume.
"We use weather software and the National Weather Service to give us a plume which direction the chemicals are heading. And that's why we had that initially closed," Woods said.
I-75, located behind the water plant, remained open throughout the incident.
"It could have been much worse had it been windier or more populated area right at the site of the water plant, it could have been a great health hazard," Woods said.
The Rockcastle County Sheriff's Office reported the leak was contained within two hours thanks to coordination between seven local and state agencies. Crews successfully installed a chlorine kit on the leaking valve to contain the gas.
"What could have posed a deadly threat to the community is now "not an issue for the general public to worry about," Woods said.
Original Story:
The Rockcastle County Sheriff's Office reported that a chlorine leak at a water treatment plant has shut down a portion of Richmond Street/US 25 near Renfro Valley on Wednesday.
The road is closed as of 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday as crews continue to work the scene. Drivers are asked by authorities to avoid the area if possible and to drive with caution.
Rockcastle County Schools added that all students at RCHS, RCMS, RES and MVES will remain inside for safety reasons.
This is a developing story and LEX 18 will have additional information as it becomes available.
