Just this past weekend, another chemical spill has been reported in DeSoto County. And again, mainstream media has been awfully quiet about the incident.
According to the DeSoto County Government, the spill was caused by a massive fire that occurred at Schultz Xtruded Products on McCracken Road in Hernando, Mississippi.
Apparently the fire then caused a container holding hydrofluoric aid to leak into Mussacuna Creek.
Clean-up crews worked tirelessly throughout the night on February 25 to clean the affected areas.
The county provided residents an update on Sunday stating that action has been taken in order to neutralize the creek water PH levels. At this time, they are claiming that the levels have returned to normal parameters.
The DeSoto County Government issued this statement:
“The Mississippi Department of Environmental Equality (MSDEQ) is satisfied with the progress, so the dam is currently being removed to allow the creek flow to return.
Consensus among the environmental companies and MSDEQ state there is no indications of any contamination of drinking water both for the city water system or any private water wells in the areas along creek.
As a precaution, community air quality survey testing was completed with no measurable detection obtained. Air monitoring will continue on site throughout the cleanup. Cleanup efforts will continue on site at SXP for several more days and crews will continue to assess nearby creeks and waterways for any impacts from the spill and mitigation efforts and protective measures will remain in place to prevent any future contamination.”
Crews are stating that there is no danger to the drinking water for residents who live both downstream and upstream.
However, at this time, residents are being warned to avoid the creek as crews are continuing to work in order to remediate the surrounding area.
The CDC reports that the toxic hydrofluoric acid is created by dissolving hydrogen fluoride in water.
Hydrogen fluoride is known for its use in refrigerants, herbicides, aluminum, and electrical components, to name a few.
According to the CDC exposure to hydrogen fluoride can result in symptoms of eye, nose and respiratory tract irritation. High levels of exposure or skin contact with the substance can cause death resulting from an irregular heartbeat or buildup of fluid in the lungs.
