Cheswold, Delaware – August 26, 2006 – Dow Reichhold Specialty Latex has reported the release of styrene vapor from a railcar located at the company’s plant site in Cheswold, Delaware. The vapor release started at approximately 6:35 pm EST on Friday, August 25, 2006. Since that time the company has been working with local emergency response teams, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources (DNREC), Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), local fire departments, Delaware state police and private emergency response personnel to monitor the situation and work to bring it under control.

The company’s emergency response team initiated procedures to ensure the safety of people in the plant and surrounding area. The plant site was evacuated, and voluntary evacuation was announced at approximately 9:00 pm for residents in the area, as well as a recommendation to remain indoors and close windows and other ventilation sources.

A second evacuation order was announced at approximately 10:30 am on Saturday, August 26, 2006 by DEMA for persons living or working within 1,500 ft. of the plant site. That evacuation is expected to last from 8 – 12 hours. This evacuation was deemed precautionary, but company and agency officials deemed it necessary to help ensure the safety of people in the vicinity of the plant site as work progresses to bring the event to a conclusion.

The cause of the release is still being investigated. Dow Reichhold personnel, in conjunction with technical experts also familiar with styrene reactions, have determined that the best course of action is to monitor the situation in the railcar until the material stabilizes. A situation of this nature typically will resolve itself within 24 hours of initiation, approximately 6:00 pm today.

If inhaled, styrene vapors can cause irritation and nausea.

Dow Reichhold will continue to work closely with all local and state agencies to resolve the situation and will continue to communicate with the public, employees and customers about the impact of the event.

back