MER Florida responds to a suspected chlorine release at a Jacksonville, FL area power generation facility

6.19.2013

MER's Atlantic Beach, FL office recently responded to a suspected chlorine release at a Jacksonville, FL area power generation facility.  A 150 lb  chlorine cylinder had been discovered 'hot' with it's paint coating bubbling.  Due to the building pressure within the cylinder, our client mobilized MER to aid in the response.  MER dispatched a three person crew and our level A response trailer, to work with the Senior Environmental Scientist we had sourced for the response.

Within 60 minutes of notification, MER personnel were on-site assessing the situation for potential hazards.  MER equipped two personnel with Level A gear and 60 minute SCBA's to shut down the chlorination system, and remove/contain the affected cylinder.  Decon showers were used to help remove any remaining chlorine, and to reduce the weight of the cylinder prior to removal from the area.  Once complete, the cylinders were contained within a drum of cooled water and prepared for off-site shipment.  The entire response was completed within 3.5 hours of initial notification, and root cause analysis has been performed with the environmental consultant and client to understand contributing factors leading up to the event.