CLEAR LAKE – City Administrator Scott Flory says a chlorine leak is “not a significant concern” at this time in Clear Lake.
Precautions are underway, nonetheless, to make sure. Some streets are barricaded and emergency responders are in the downtown area. Persons at the scene tell NIT there is a “strong chlorine odor.” Mr. Flory says the water plant is running normally.
Later, Clear Lake officials provides an update:
“The Clear Lake Fire Department responded to the report of a chlorine leak at the City’s Water Treatment plant located at 110 1st Avenue South in Clear Lake at 0836 this morning. Staff from the water treatment plant notified the department after noticing the smell of chlorine inside the facility. Upon the fire department’s arrival the immediate area around the plant was evacuated. A technician level hazardous material team was requested and responded from Mason City. After scene monitoring entry was made into the chlorine storage area a leak was found in a supply line from a 175 pound storage cylinder. The tank was shut off and the area allowed to ventilate and the line repaired. All units returned to their respective stations at 1155. The Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Clear Lake Police Department, Clear Lake Public Works, and the North Iowa Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team.”
Photos from the scene in Clear Lake, courtesy of an NIT reader:
