Detroit Edison's electrical power generation plant in River Rouge has paid a $52,333 civil penalty to the EPA. The facility was cited for failure to immediately notify the National Response Center of a 10,559-pound release of sodium hydroxide on May 6, 2003. A required written report to the Michigan emergency response commission was also filed late, 10 days after the incident. A follow-up report to the local emergency planning committee was never filed.
The incident occurred when a maintenance crew left a process valve open. The sodium hydroxide flowed through the process line and mixed with cooling water, which was then released from the facility.
Sodium hydroxide is commonly used in metal cleaning and processing. Exposure to it can irritate or burn the skin, eyes and gastrointestinal tract. Inhaling large amounts can be fatal. Sodium hydroxide releases greater than 1,000 pounds must be reported immediately.
Bad utility, Bad! Do you want me to rub your nose in it? Do it again and I'll hit you with a newspaper!
Technorati: DetroitEdison Sodiumhydroxide pollution EPA
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