Why It Matters
Toledo officials ordered evacuations and sheltering measures after a release of flammable glycidyl methacrylate at a tank terminal. The chemical has a noticeable odor, and authorities are monitoring air quality around the affected area.
What Happened
The release occurred during a material transfer, which Bryant Somerville described as an error. The tank involved has a capacity of 5,500 gallons.
Toledo Environmental Services notified the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency at approximately 11:40 p.m. Tuesday. The Ohio EPA’s Office of Emergency Response deployed to the scene, while the U.S. EPA monitored air conditions near the evacuation zone.
Toledo’s fire department ordered people to leave within one mile of the tank terminal. Residents within three miles were directed to shelter in place. Roads around the evacuation area are closed, though the local interstate remains open.
Health and Transportation Impacts
By 1 p.m., approximately 30 patients had been evaluated and treated at hospitals across the Toledo metropolitan area. Most were treated and released. ProMedica Hospital Toledo is available as an open shelter.
Water in the surrounding area remains safe to drink. Ships in Toledo’s port are not moving until the hazard is resolved, and CSX trains operating along the property where the explosion occurred have been shut down.
Michael Posadny said officials were detecting odors near the docks: “They’re picking up odors at the docks.”
Response
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is monitoring the hazardous chemical release. State agencies involved in the response include the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, the Ohio Department of Public Safety and the Ohio Environmental Agency.
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