Dupont chemical tank empty, crews still cleaning up

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Emergency responders and EPA representatives have concluded the emergency response to a Rubbertown chemical spill after the tank emptied Thursday afternoon.

Officials say the emergency response came to a close at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday when the tank where the initial leak occurred emptied.

The hydrochloric acid leak at the Dupont Fluoroproducts facility in Rubbertown forced a shelter-in-place alert for residents within a one-mile radius.

Jody Duncan, a spokeswoman for Metrosafe, says a busted valve contributed to the leak, which began in the 500,000 gallon tank containing 400,000 gallons of hydrochloric acid.

She says a six-inch section of pipe had no isolation valve, making it difficult for crews to stop the leak.

Plant personnel will continue with clean-up, remediation and investigation efforts to determine how to prevent something like this in the future.