On April 16, 2009 OSC Nancy Jones and START were dispatched to Norphlet Chemical Inc. (NCI) located outside El Dorado AR. It is reported NCI is storing Anhydrous Hydrogen Fluoride and Anhydrous Hydrogen Fluoride Mixtures totaling 34,054 gallons in an unsafe manner that may lead to a AHF release from the plant. The plant is located next to the Norphlet K - 12 School Complex. The school is closed on April 17 th.
START will arrive on scene late this evening (approx 12:01 AM, April 17) to begin perimeter air monitoring. OSC Jones will drive to Texarkana tonight and be on scene early tomorrow morning. Additionally, a START HF expert will be in route to the scene (arrival 4/17 PM). Initially, EPA will collect data to determine if there is an air release and determine if the site poses an imminent and substantial threat to the community. EPA is coordinating closely with the local authorities, ADEQ, ADEM, and DHS.
NCI is a chemical manufacturing facility specializing in producing refrigerant (R134A) used in automobiles. It is reported the facility is out of business.
NCI is located at 600 MacMillian (State Hwy 335) at the former location of the MacMillian Oil Refinery.
