Houston, Texas based chemical producer Westlake Chemical Corporation announced that a situation involving a railcar leaking the chemical styrene has been brought under control in Cincinnati. Styrene is a chemical used to produce plastic and rubber, and is produced at the Company's Lake Charles, Louisiana facility.
Immediately after the Company was notified of the problem, it dispatched an emergency response team to Cincinnati. Westlake's emergency response team includes eight people with experience in multiple areas, including the safe handling of styrene, and the safe transport of chemicals over rail lines. While the surrounding area was evacuated as a precaution, there have been no reported injuries, and environmental authorities have determined that the emission levels do not pose a health risk to nearby residents. Residents this morning were allowed to return to their homes.
The Company has been working with the Cincinnati Area Chapter of the American Red Cross to provide food and shelter to those who temporarily had to leave the affected areas. Westlake is also cooperating fully with authorities investigating this incident.
"They regret the inconvenience this has caused local residents and assure them that Westlake is reviewing this incident and the chain of events that brought us to this point," said Warren W. Wilder, Vice President of Olefins and Styrene for Westlake Chemical. "They appreciate the expertise and diligence of local emergencyofficials. Their work has been invaluable in maintaining control of this situation."
Westlake is a maker and supplier of petrochemicals, polymers and fabricated products. The company's range of products includes ethylene, polyethylene, styrene, vinyl intermediates, PVC and PVC pipe, windows and fence.
Westlake Chemical Corporation owns and operates facilities for the manufacture of petrochemicals, plastics, and fabricated plastic products in North America, with sales on a global basis.
Westlake Chemical Corporation
marketing@alchempro.com
