A City of Tyler Water Department employee who was arriving to work was exposed to chlorine when a leak in a pipe was discovered at the Lake Palestine Water Treatment Plant.

A hazardous materials unit from the Tyler Fire Department responded to the scene and was able to secure the area and ensure the chlorine that leaked had dissipated.

The employee who was exposed to the chlorine was transported to a local hospital where he is undergoing treatment and listed in stable condition.

“At approximately 6:45 a.m. an alarm at the plant alerted staff that there was a leak,” said Managing Director of Water Utilities Greg Morgan.  “In accordance with standard protocol, the Fire Department was notified to begin response and plant workers donned emergency breathing apparatus and were able to close the emergency shut off valves – stopping the leak.”

The Fire Department ventilated the area and cleared the scene.  No evacuation outside of the plant property was needed.  City workers are currently returning to their work stations at the plant.

“’At this time we do not know what caused the leak to occur,” Morgan said.  “However, we will be investigating further.”

 

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