Chemical leak delays sailing of 6,350-TEU Hyundai Oakland in Tacoma

TACOMA's Washington United Terminal was closed part of Tuesday while the fire department cleaned up a chemical spill during the unloading of the 6,350-TEU Hyundai Oakland, reported the Tacoma News Tribune.


The ship from Busan was to depart for Seattle the next day, but no new sailing has been set, said the report.


Firefighters were called to the pier shortly before 4am to investigate the spill where the ship was unloading. The chemical, Chlorobenzotrifluoride, is flammable and can irritate skin, eyes and the respiratory system. Some complained of eye irritation but were release on site after medical examination.


High levels of the chemical were discovered in a sewer at the Port of Olympia's marine terminal, raising questions whether the port has an undiscovered contamination source on its property leaking dioxin into lower Budd Inlet.
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)