Officials seek cause of western Pa. chemical leak

PETROLIA, Pa. (AP) - Investigators are trying to determine what caused corrosive material from an industrial plant to overflow from a tank and form a mile-long cloud over a western Pennsylvania town.

By: Associated Press | WNCT
Published: October 13, 2008

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PETROLIA, Pa. (AP) - Investigators are trying to determine what caused corrosive material from an industrial plant to overflow from a tank and form a mile-long cloud over a western Pennsylvania town.

Hundreds of people who were evacuated in the town of Petrolia yesterday have all been allowed to go home. Authorities determined there's no longer a threat, although they are advising residents to be cautious if they have any vegetables growing outside.

Officials say the leak also caused what's believed to be a "limited fish kill" in a nearby creek.

The leak involved the chemical oleum, which is similar to sulfuric acid. It evaporated into the air, forming a dense cloud close to the ground.

The Indspec Chemical Corporation plant, where the leak occurred, produces a bonding agent for the tire industry.

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