17 hours ago
Vinton County explosives plant resumes normal operations after gas release
A Vinton County explosives manufacturer has resumed normal operations after a nitrogen oxide release at one of its plants resulted evacuations and flight restrictions in the area.
Austin Powder paused operations at its Red Diamond plant on June 11 after a reaction in a nitric acid tank caused a yellow-brown nitrogen oxide plume over the facility northwest of McArthur.
The gas release necessitated evacuations of the surrounding area, including the village of Zaleski, which has a population of about 780 people.
More: Chemical leak at Vinton County plant prompted evacuation: What we know
Temporary flight restrictions also were put in place for a 30-nautical-mile radius around the plant.
'We sincerely regret the disruption and concern the evacuation order caused our neighbors and the surrounding community," Austin Powder president and CEO John Rathbun said in a press release.
"Our safety systems worked as designed, and our team responded swiftly to protect the community."
A "modest amount" of the gas vented through the plant's built-in safety system, according to Brad Kostka, a spokesperson for the public relations firm hired by Austin Powder.
Kostka said testing of air, water and the work site revealed no health hazards to the community.
Austin Powder has launched an internal investigation and will implement any necessary improvements to prevent a recurrence.
The company has established a claim process to reimburse affected Vinton County residents for "reasonable expenses" — such as hotel stays and gas — resulting from the evacuation.
Residents can contact Austin Powder at 216-839-5469 or claims@ to submit a claim for reimbursement.
Entertainment and Things to Do reporter Belinda M. Paschal can be reached at bpaschal@
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Austin Powder's explosives plant operating normally after gas release
