McINTOSH, Ala. (AP) -- Olin Corp. says it is still investigating an equipment failure that damaged part of its complex in Washington County.
Spokeswoman Elaine Patterson says a pressure valve blew open Thursday, causing a release of caustic soda. She says the cause of the problem remains undetermined but that no caustic soda left the plant east of U.S. 43.
Caustic soda is used in a variety of industrial chemical processes, including paper manufacturing. It's also used in household drain cleaners.
The Press-Register reports that Patterson says some workers' cars were damaged by the release.
A separate unit at the south Alabama plant that makes the same products was not damaged. That unit, called SunBelt, sends chlorine to part-owner PolyOne Corp.
