PETROLIA, Pa. (AP) -- Federal officials want to fine a western Pennsylvania chemical company $121,500 for a toxic leak that forced hundreds of residents to evacuate in October.
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration says Indspec Chemical Corp. committed 27 serious safety violations when oleum leaked at its plant in Petrolia, about 60 miles north of Pittsburgh. The acid cloud forced 2,500 people -- those within a three-mile radius -- from their homes for a day.
Indspec has 15 business days to comply with or contest Monday's proposed fines.
An Indspec official has not returned a call.
The plant has 260 workers and makes resorcinol, which is used in tires and rubber products. Oleum is similar to sulfuric acid and is used at the plant.
