Investigation Report
Freedom Industries Chemical Release
Freedom Industries Chemical Release
- CSB
- Investigation Report
- EnvironmentHazardous Substances
- CorrosionHazardous substancesLoss of containmentPotable-water hygieneRegulation and legislation
- Inspection and maintenance
- Storage tanksWater treatment systems
- Emergency responsePreventive maintenanceSafety communicationWater-quality monitoring
- Downstream and process industries
- Onshore facility
Summary
Investigates the Freedom Industries chemical spill in Charleston, West Virginia, where internal tank-floor pitting corrosion released a mixture into the Elk River and public water supply. Examines deteriorated secondary containment, inspection deficiencies, treatment limitations, water testing, emergency communication and regulatory gaps, with recommendations for source-water protection and contamination response.
Classifications: Corrosion; corrosion damage.
Classifications: Hazardous substances; hazardous chemicals; chemical exposure.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Potable-water hygiene; legionella; drinking-water hygiene.
Classifications: Regulation and legislation; safety legislation; regulatory requirements.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Storage tanks; atmospheric tanks.
Classifications: Water treatment systems.
Classifications: Emergency response; emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Classifications: Water-quality monitoring.
Classifications: Downstream and process industries; refining; petrochemicals.
Classifications: Onshore facility; onshore plant.
Summary
A leak originating from a storage tank at Freedom Industries contaminated the local water supply leaving hundreds of thousands of West Virginia residents without clean drinking water.
Themes: environment, hazardous substances.