OXNARD : Leak of Toxic Gas Prompts Evacuation

An Oxnard resin manufacturer accidentally released an unknown amount of toxic gas into the atmosphere Thursday, prompting an evacuation of about 300 people from nearby businesses, a company official said.

About 18 people were evacuated from Reichhold Chemical Inc. on Arcturus Avenue when the poisonous bromine vapor was released at about 12:30 p.m., Plant Manager Norman Fanhoe said. No injuries were reported, Fanhoe said.

The substance, which is used as a fire retardant, can cause lung and respiratory damage, Oxnard Fire Capt. Ed Whitecomb said.

The company, which manufactures polyester and fiberglass resins, employs about 33 people, Fanhoe said.

The bromine was spilled as workers unloaded a rail car into a scrubber tank that neutralizes the substance, Fanhoe said. Too much of the liquid was poured into the tank, and the spill evaporated, Fanhoe said. About 150 gallons remain in the tank.

Workers immediately notified company officials who evacuated the plant, production chemist Chris Coleman said. About eight nearby businesses were notified, Coleman said.

Jack Segotta, plant manager of Arcturus Manufacturing across the street from Reichhold, said his operation was shut down for almost four hours. About 50 workers from the company were idled, Segotta said.

Whitecomb said the department answered the emergency call at 12:30 and shut the valves to the tank.