Posted at 4:38 p.m., Saturday, May 27, 2006
Chemical leak closes Kaua'i industrial park
Advertiser Staff
LIHU'E — A chemical leak in a Lîhu'e warehouse this morning led to the evacuation of all businesses in Lîhu'e Industrial Park II.Kaua'i Fire Department Battalion Chief Sean Hosaka said the leak occurred at about 8:30 am when an employee of Trex Hawai'i, LLC was transferring methyltrichlorosilane from a storage tank to a process tank in the company's Aukele Street warehouse.
Dave Kane, vice president of Kaua'i operations for Trex Hawai'i, LLC, said the tank sprang a leak due a faulty valve.
He said that his employee left the bunker immediately and closed the door to contain the spill. The employee was wearing protective gear and was not harmed.
A command post was set up near the scene with Hosaka in charge.
A contingent of firefighters, rescue specialists, Hazmat technicians, police and a state health official went to the scene.
Shortly after 11 am, a team of Hazmat technicians entered the bunker and sprayed foam to prevent vapors from escaping. At around 2:45 p.m., officials deemed it safe for Trex officials to enter the warehouse and assume responsibility of the situation.
Lîhu'e Industrial Park II will remain closed until it is safe for the public to return.
