McArthur, OH – A chemical release from a 5,000-gallon storage tank at the Austin Powder Red Diamond Plant Tuesday morning led to a visible plume in the air and a three-mile evacuation zone in Vinton County.
According to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, the incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. when nitric oxide was released from the industrial tank, sending a noticeable plume over the surrounding McArthur and Zaleski areas. Emergency responders quickly established a three-mile evacuation radius as a precautionary safety measure.
By 4:30 p.m., authorities confirmed that the plume had significantly dissipated and lifted the evacuation order. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and officials say there is currently no threat to public drinking water. However, they advised against using private wells for animal consumption until further assessments are completed.
Local and state agencies, including the Vinton County Health Department and the Vinton County Sheriff’s Office, remain on scene to monitor air quality and support ongoing protective actions. Officials emphasized that emergency plans were enacted swiftly and effectively to mitigate the incident’s potential impact.
Nitric oxide is a chemical gas that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, especially at high levels. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, extended exposure can result in serious respiratory complications. A detailed fact sheet is available at https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp175.html.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official updates as safety monitoring and environmental evaluations continue.
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