After a few hours to clear the air of a chemical cloud, Burnet County and Horseshoe Bay emergency officials gave the greenlight to residents in Cottonwood Shores, Horseshoe Bay and surrounding communities to venture out.
“We are pleased to inform you that the chlorine gas leak reported earlier this morning has been fully contained,” read the statement. “Horseshoe Bay Emergency response teams acted swiftly, and after conducting thorough air quality checks, it has been confirmed that the area is now safe for all activities to resume as normal.”
The morning of Oct. 21, emergency officials reported that two chemical compounds were “unintentionally” mixed in a holding tank at the Horseshoe Bay Central Water Plant during a delivery.
The incident resulted in fumes and a cloud of gas which prompted officials to call for a shelter in place order due to possible toxic exposure.
Chronology of Events
At approximately 8:30 a.m. that morning, a delivery driver off-loaded approximately 4,000 gallons of aluminum sulfate into a tank of sodium hypochlorite, according to Horseshoe Bay Fire Chief Doug Fowler.
Approximately 9,000 gallons of sodium hypochlorite were in the tank before the delivery occurred, his initial alert continued.
Fowler told emergency management officials that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) was notified of a strong high concentration of chemicals at the water plant.
“The mixing of chemicals resulted in a chlorine cloud with dangerous levels within one block of the water plant,” Burnet County Emergency Management Coordinator Derek Marchio released in a report. “The chemical reaction released chlorine gas from the tank vent. This gas drifted in the south wind to the local area, burning eyes and causing nasal irritation.”
About three hours later, officials gave the all clear.
“There is no further risk to the public, and air quality levels have returned to normal,” the statement from the city continued. “We appreciate your cooperation and patience during this situation.”
