Response Crew Cleans Up Hydrochloric Acid Leak at MPW

In response to a hydrochloric acid vapor leak that occurred in Sedalia early Friday morning, MPW Industrial Water Services, 3205 West Main, issued the following statement over the weekend:

“A third-party spill response crew has worked through the night to remove diluted hydrochloric (HCL) acid from the MPW Industrial Water site, 3205 W. Main Street, Sedalia. As of 5 a.m., the spill was completely removed from the site and maintenance has begun.

At approximately 6 a.m. CST on Friday, December 3, it was discovered that a 4-inch PVC pipe broke in the Hydrochloric Acid dike, causing the acid inside the tank to be released. The containment dike functioned as it should, and all the acid was safely contained inside. There was no direct exposure to the acid from any employees or others in the vicinity. And no health hazards occurred.

When concentrated HCL comes in contact with air, vapors are created. When this occurred, the Sedalia Fire Department was contacted. SFD created a cordon, keeping non-essential personnel away from the vapors. The SFD put approximately 8,000 gallons of water on the HCL, diluting it and eliminating the vapors.

MPW safety protocols worked, containing the spill and keeping people from harm’s way. We are grateful to the SFD for its rapid, thorough and professional response,” MPW said through a statement provided by Michael Zimmerman.