TOLEDO, Ohio — More steps are needed to ensure a central Toledo chemical facility is safe, the city of Toledo said, after a May inspection yielded substantial safety concerns.
In an update from a press release Monday, the city said Toledo's Fire and Rescue Department and Division of Environmental Services are "working aggressively" to ensure the neighborhood near the Omni Polymer facility, which is situated on Nebraska Avenue, is safe.
According to the release, continued monitoring of both the air and drinking water indicated there is no contamination present, and no threat to the immediate area.
The US and Ohio EPA will oversee the proper cleanup and disposal of chemicals in the facility, which was placed under a court-ordered evacuation order after an inspection yielded concerns with proper chemical storage and a non-operational fire suppression system. According to the city, traces of arsenic, mercury and zinc were found in the facility, indicating the improper discharge of chemicals.
The city said the property owner will be responsible for hiring a certified contractor to conduct the work up to environmental regulations.
Until the facility's fire suppression system is restored, no one outside of city staff and supporting agencies are allowed on the property, the city said. Toledo police will patrol the area to enforce the evacuation order. Anyone who sees what is described in the release as "operational activity" at the facility is asked to call the non-emergency line at 419-255-8443.
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The case regarding this incident will be heard in court Monday, the city said, which will determine the next steps in the situation.
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