Investigation of Orange Cloud Continues
By Staff Report
Oct 3, 2012, 13:05
photo by Sarah Steele Wilson
A yellow cloud appeared over Hopewell Monday afternoon when nitrogen oxide was released from the Honeywell plant off Randolph Rd.
The leak of the gas, which is generated from the plant’s manufacturing process and released regularly within permitted levels, occurred at approximately 4 p.m.
“It went straight up in the air and never came down,” said Chief Keith Kennedy with the Hopewell Fire Department. “No one was in imminent danger.”
Alarms could be heard in the areas surrounding the plant.
“There were no injuries, but as per our procedures, the plant activated its emergency response measures and notified local emergency responders,” a release from the company stated.
Kennedy said the fire department did not have to do anything on scene, but was called to the plant by the emergency system. The company’s employees were able to contain the situation without assistance.
“It just floated across the city in that nice, big, yellow cloud,” Kennedy said, describing the haze.
Nitrogen oxide emissions at the plant were back to normal levels within two hours and the release is under investigation.
“Honeywell is currently conducting an investigation that includes a thorough look at our process controls that moderate NOx emissions to ensure they function correctly and identify any improvements that may be needed,” a statement from the company read.
