Chemical production companies have been operating under the cautious hand of government policy for years. Meant to keep the public and environment safe, these measures ensure that businesses and corporations are held responsible for any actions that may be seen as careless or dangerous. Companies that violate or fail to meet industry standards are punished with hefty fines and penalties.
Chemical spills and leaks are most often the result of a failure to maintain industry standards, or if routine safety precautions or inspections are ignored. These fines and penalties can actually be implemented on the offending company for two reasons. The first would be for any punitive or compensatory damages paid to the victims and for any environmental cleanup. The second would be a fine from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) for any harm that may have been caused to company employees. Residents and businesses can apply to receive a portion of paid damages as a result of any business or personal harm.
Charleston Chemical Spill
At the end of October 2016, a federal judge approved a $151 million settlement involving two companies. West Virginia American Water Co. and Eastman Chemical were involved in a 2014 chemical spill that contaminated drinking water in southern West Virginia. The class action lawsuit represented more than 224,000 area residents and employees and 7,300 business owners.
In January of 2014, a chemical leak at Freedom Industries contaminated the drinking water supply for 300,000 people in and around Charleston, prompting a tap-water ban for days. Without access to water, businesses shut down and hundreds of people were treated at area hospitals for issues from nausea to rashes. The Freedom Industries facility was located 1.5 miles upstream from West Virginia America’s regional drinking water intake on the Elk River. The plant has since been closed and demolished. A state law enacted after the spill requires more inspections and registrations of above ground storage tanks.
Protection from Chemical Spills
If a job site or project requires any sort of chemical storage needs, call us at US Hazmat Rentals first. Our rental units are much more affordable than a new chemical storage building, allowing you to save money without forfeiting safety. Our storage lockers are designed to keep even the most dangerous and incendiary substances controlled and safe. Chemical spills and explosions can cost lives, not only huge financial penalties. Make the safe decision and save money with US Hazmat Rentals.
