EAGLEVILLE, Pa. (AP) - A manufacturer of metal tubing allowed more than 2,400 pounds of a degreasing chemical and probable carcinogen to escape into the air over a 2½-hour period earlier this month, state officials said.
Department of Environmental Protection officials previously said only that more than 100 pounds of trichloroethylene was released from Superior Tube Co. in Lower Providence Township during a July 10 malfunction, but gave a revised estimate Wednesday. The new estimate was more than 60 times the allowable emission of TCE.
The chemical was released when a unit used to degrease metal malfunctioned. The estimate was changed after Superior Tube officials reviewed their inventory and conferred with the DEP, officials said. The chemical dissipates quickly in the air, and DEP officials said there was no indication neighbors of the plant were in danger.
Sam Heller, president of the United Steelworkers local that represents Superior Tube workers, said two employees felt dizzy but declined treatment. He said the problem was corrected and the plant resumed safe operation the same day.
Joseph A. Feola, director of the DEP's southeast regional office, said the agency had not determined what enforcement action it would take.
