Nitric acid leaks at Radford Army Ammunition Plant

U.S. Army says the acid is fully contained and being treated

RADFORD, Va. – There were two nitric acid leaks during tank testing, in the acid storage facility, at Radford Army Ammunition Plant on Tuesday, according to Commander James Scott.

The acid is fully contained and being treated. Furthermore, the Army says that there were no injuries or health impact to employees and the surrounding community is safe.  

Continued exposure to nitric acid vapor may cause chronic bronchitis; chemical pneumonitis may occur, according to PubChem.

In accordance with safety precautions, employees in the immediate vicinity were moved from the site and a controlled release of employees is in progress for those working in close proximity to the leak.

No one was ever evacuated, said Scott.

The health and safety of our employees and the communities in which we live and work is our top priority. An investigation is ongoing.

Scott said that although a plume of smoke went into the air, there was zero threat to the environment of the people outside the plant.