Channahon chemical incident at INEOS Styrenics under investigation – NBC Chicago

The release of a volatile chemical prompted a major emergency response at a factory in unincorporated Will County on Saturday, authorities said.

At approximately 11:38 a.m., the Channahon Fire Protection District was called to a hazardous materials incident at INEOS Styrenics, the fire protection district said in a news release. Firefighters arrived as plant employees were attempting to cool a large container containing approximately 5,000 gallons of styrene. Styrene is a liquid used to make polystyrene, a solid plastic.

Since earlier this week, employees have been working to maintain the container’s temperature. The facility had to switch to generators after a tornado hit the area. Hazardous materials teams arrived on site and determined that no volatile vapors were being released into the atmosphere and there were no chemical reactions “that could escalate the situation.”

The styrene had been under control since 3:12 p.m. and there was no longer any danger to the public, officials said.