Hazmat Crews still working on I85 Acid Leak
Emergency Management crews are still attempting to clean a hydrogen chloride leak from an 18-wheel, tractor-trailer along I85 near mile marker 9 in Anderson County. A passing motorist noticed the tanker leaking and was able to notify the driver, who stopped at the weigh station to assess the damage. Authorities were notified around 8:30am Monday. Crews determined the leak is from a valve on the tank they cannot shut off. Firefighters and HAZMAT crews are waiting for a specialized tanker from Houston to arrive to help offload the acid. A 300-foot safety zone remains in place until the transfer is complete. However, the transfer will not begin until after 1pm. Anderson County Emergency Management expects the operation will only take a couple of hours to complete. Both trucks will then leave the area and no residue of the hydrogen chloride will be left behind.