Poisonous Fumes from Precision Castparts: now a Toxic Waste Dump

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Earlier this month, a tank full of highly toxic corrosive acids exploded allowing Nitric Acid and Hydrofluoric Acid fumes to escape into the atmosphere in Southeast Portland.

A huge yellow brown cloud of these very toxic corrosive acids was hurled into the air and the public was warned by TV and Radio to stay in their homes and not to open windows and doors. This warning came via TV and Radio but the Reverse 911 system didn’t work to warn the locals.

The interior of the factory was probably destroyed by this acid explosion that happened 11 May, 2011, and the costs of repair will probably be millions of dollars, IF it can be repaired.

This dangerous factory is in a residential area and it is unlikely that any of the immediate residents had any idea that they were living so close to toxins which could have killed them with ONE inhalation destroying the lungs. Testimony has been offered at the legislature for a law which would at least let Emergency Responders know of this extreme hazard.

Precision Castparts Company should have had redundant safety systems in place to protect workers and neighbors. Obviously they did not. The expensive “CLEAN UP” should get someone’s attention.

What is really frightening is that Precision Castparts has permission from the CLEAN AIR ACT to release 126 TONS of related pollutants per year into the air IN A RESIDENTIAL ZONE!!!

The only saving grace for the neighbors is that the company could be fined big time for this gross neglectful act.

Oregon OSHA has already fined the company four times for past safety violations. This was really a big one and a highly dangerous one. Does OSHA know that they didn’t have a secondary redundant safety system? If not, why not?

I was within four blocks of this explosion and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and hearing.

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David July 20, 2011 7:45 pm (Pacific time)

Can't find the follow-up article.

Sam May 28, 2011 3:52 pm (Pacific time)

"The interior of the factory was probably destroyed by this acid explosion that happened 11 May, 2011, and the costs of repair will probably be millions of dollars, IF it can be repaired."

Wow. This entire article is speculation. You really have no business writing anything for anyone.

Editor: Sam, everything in this article is perfectly correct and next week we are going to bring OSHA into it, I suggest that you don't come along at this point and suggest the story is incorrect, for in fact it is factual and we will absolutely take it to the undeniable level soon. The reason you are bothered is that it is spot on. This I understand.

Vic May 27, 2011 10:08 am (Pacific time)

Precision Castparts...another war-profiteering supplier to the war industry. They are loathsome and have no place among decent people. They are economic mercenaries.

May 25, 2011 5:52 pm (Pacific time)

The Oregonian newspaper will mostly cover stories that (like "TV NEWS" (sic)) do not harm local businesses that have right-wing, military contractor political clout. It is much easier to go after the low hanging fruit instead: house fires, car wrecks and sex offenders.

Whylie May 26, 2011 11:38 am (Pacific time)

There was no explosion, no spill and no danger to area residents. Why write such an alarmly false artical?

URNUTZ May 25, 2011 6:34 pm (Pacific time)

I am familiar with the facts and events in this situation and am of the opinion that your depiction is inaccurate and irresponsible.

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