No injuries reported from Channahon hazardous materials incident

The Channahon Fire Department and several other emergency responders were called to a hazardous materials incident at a manufacturing facility. INEOS Styrenics, in the 25000 block of South Frontage Road in Channahon around 11:40 a.m. Saturday. Upon arrival, crews were informed by plant personnel that they were attempting to cool a large container containing approximately 5,000 gallons of liquid styrene.

The cooling followed a week-long effort to maintain the temperature of the styrene vessel to prevent catastrophic vessel failure. The facility has been operating on generator power since Monday, July 15, after the tornado struck this area. The incident remained confined to the site and at no time posed a threat to the public. No evacuation advisories were issued. The Division 15 Hazardous Materials Team established atmospheric monitoring and continuously conducted air sampling throughout the duration of the incident.

No hazardous conditions were identified and all air readings remained at safe levels during the incident. Nearly four hours later, hazmat teams confirmed the styrene was contained and the containment vessel was stable. No injuries were sustained by facility personnel or emergency responders.

The cause of the release is currently being investigated by company employees.