Chemical Leak Caused by Bullet Holes in the Tank

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection says a leaking water treatment tank in eastern Kanawha County isn’t believed to have affected drinking water and no fish kill was observed. The agency says the initial investigation indicates the leak reported Monday was caused by two small-caliber bullet holes in the tank, believed to have occurred after Thursday evening. The tank was holding a solution containing 20 percent sodium hydroxide to treat acid mine drainage. The leak allowed the material to enter treatment ponds uncontrolled, causing excessive pH. The Environmental Protection Department will issue notices of violation for inadequate secondary containment and exceeding effluent limits for pH.