RADFORD, Va. – Update:
Cleanup efforts are underway after a nitric acid spill occurred at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant.
It happened in the railyard on Tuesday and was about ten times larger than initially estimated. Command officials say the spill was confined to a small area and that there is no danger to the community or the environment.
“The 600 gallons was our best estimation at that time. They were unable to go into the rail car at that time because it had just spilled the weak nitric acid. So they had to go in once the area was safe for them to review,” said a plant official.
We’re told the incident was likely due to a mechanical failure. The arsenal plans to inspect and repair all rail cars to prevent future incidents.
Cleanup crews remain on site, monitoring air and soil conditions to ensure safety standards are met. Officials say the situation is under control and operations at the plant have resumed.
This is the latest in a string of safety incidents at the Radford plant, prompting calls for increased oversight.
Update:
The Joint Munitions Command announced Thursday that cleanup actions at the stabilized spill site at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant are going well.
According to officials, Radford updated the spill amount for all agencies from an estimated 600 gallons of weak nitric acid to 6500 gallons. For safety reasons, this direct measurement was not possible during the spill event.
Officials say the change in amount reported does not change the cleanup plans and there is no risk to the public.
“Radford continues coordination with outside agencies including hosting a site visit today with a representative from EPA Emergency Management Division, as well as our partners from Montgomery County. These experts discussed current cleanup plans and shared best practices. Plant leadership appreciates their support as Radford quickly remediates the impacted gravel areas.”
Original:
An employee was hospitalized following a nitric acid spill that occurred at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant on Tuesday, the Plant’s Director of Public and Congressional Affairs said.
Authorities said that an incident around 10 a.m. in the railyard resulted in a weak nitric acid spill. One employee was taken to the hospital via air for assessment of potential injuries.
All personnel sheltered in place following the incident. The Radford AAP emergency response team responded to the incident. Montgomery County offered standby support.
There is no danger to the surrounding community as a result of this incident. We will update you with more information as it becomes available.