Hazmat Leak Contained At Newark Oil Recycling Plant
NEWARK (KCBS) - Several dozen employees at the Evergreen Oil Recycling Plant in Newark had to be evacuated mid-morning Friday following a small hazardous materials leak at the Smith Ave. facility.
"Apparently, a flange in a piping was ruptured, which caused a release of the product," explained Alameda County Fire Department battalion chief Terence Carey.
Firefighters were called to the facility at approximately 8:45 a.m. Plant workers were able to contain the release to the plant property.
"We've determined through multiple sources that it is not a threat to any of the surrounding areas or businesses," confirmed Carey.
Evergreen Oil handles hazardous waste materials, including used motor oil, antifreeze and other toxic waste, acording to Alameda County Fire spokeswoman Aisha Knowles.
Newark police also responded and said in a statement that there may be a strong chemical smell near the refinery but it was not considered hazardous.
One person at the scene had a medical complaint and was treated at the scene. No other injuries were reported, Knowles said.
She said one fire engine remained at the refinery as of 10:30 a.m. as a precaution, but that the rest of the crews had left and the refinery's employees had been sent home for the day.
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