Nitric Acid Leak leads to evacuation of residents and closure of a highway for four hours (July 27, 2022)

The spill occurred when one could not close a valve.

Authorities learned about the leak after receiving reports of a vapor cloud wafting across the highway.

There are no immediate reports of injuries.

Fire crews were seen spraying hoses high into the air to suppress fumes.

Authorities said the leak was a vapor mixture of nitric acid and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Although this plant produces specialty chemicals used in pharmaceuticals, flavor enhances and pesticides, nitric acid is commonly used in nitrogen fertilizer plants and requires proper attention for its potential hazards.