Chemical Incident Reporting – Week of 8-16-25

NOTE: See here for series background.

Noblesville, IN – 8-7-25

Local News Report: Here, here, and here.

There was a chemical explosion at a municipal water treatment works associated with a chemical delivery, possibly sodium hypochlorite (bleach). There was one minor injury. A shelter-in-place advisory was ordered for the surrounding neighborhood. The facility was reportedly shutdown temporarily for repairs, other treatment works on the system are able to maintain water service to the community.

Probably not CSB reportable.

Note: A Google search for this incident turned up an adverticle from a law firm about the incident. This is the second such adverticle I have seen in a week. In both cases (different law firms), the incident and chemical information provided was correct yet limited (as I would expect from a law firm). I am surprised that I have not seen this before, it would seem to be a very good way for a personal injury law firm to get their names before the public.

Lincoln, NE – 8-13-25

Local News Report: Here and here.

There was a chlorine leak at a metal plating manufacturer. A broken valve released too much chlorine into the system resulting in chlorine fumes in the facility. The facility was evacuated and the leak stopped. No injuries were reported.

Not CSB reportable.

Belle, WV – 8-16-25

Local News Report: Here, here, and here.

There was a minor ammonia leak at a manufacturing plant that resulted in a local ‘shelter-in-place’ order. The order was lifted after the extent of the leak was determined. No injuries or damages were reported.

Note: This article has some interesting chemical safety tips.

Not CSB reportable.

Holstein, NE – 8-20-25

Local News Report: Here, here, and here.

There was an anhydrous ammonia spill at a manufacturing facility. The local neighborhood was evacuated as a precautionary measure. One employee was injured and transported to the hospital. A fire department team entered the facility and closed the tank valve to stop the leak. There is no information on any damages.

Possible CSB reportable.

Roseland, La – 8-22-25

Local News Report: Here, here, and here.

There was large fire and multiple explosions at an oil and lubricant storage facility. Local evacuations were ordered. No injuries were reported but there was extensive damage at the facility.

Probable CSB reportable.

Lengthy drone video of firefighting effort here. You can see the flames spreading from the initially involved tank farm on the surface of water outflow from firefighting efforts. It looks like firefighters were trying to keep a specific set of tanks cool, rather than trying to suppress the fire.