[Archived] HazMat Team Responds to Sulfuric Acid Leak at Gen-On Plant

April 27, 2011

News Highlights

• Estimated 1,300 gallons leaked from a Sulfuric Acid Storage Tank.
• Leak contained within containment basin of the storage tank.
• Intersection of Bashford Lane and N. Royal Street as well as a portion of the Mt. Vernon Bike Trail behind the plant were closed for 1 ½ hours as a precautionary measure.
• Incident was determined to be stable with no hazards to residents.

More Information

• http://www.genon.com/default.aspx

At 1:53 am this morning the Alexandria Hazardous Materials Team responded to the GenOn plant located at 1400 N. Royal Street for a report of a leaking Sulfuric Acid tank.  Units arrived within 5 minutes.  The intersection of Bashford Lane and N. Royal Street as well as a portion of the Mount Vernon bicycle trail behind the plant were closed as a precautionary measure. Alexandria City and Arlington County HazMat Team members donned protective equipment, entered site and determined there was no active leak or fumes emitting from the area.  The 15 x 20 containment basin contained an estimated 1,300 gallon of product from the storage tank.  The Team determined there was no hazard to residents and all street closures were reopened by 4:45 am. 

GenOn has a cleanup contractor scheduled to arrive and remove the product this morning.  The cause of the leak remains under investigation at this time.

For more information, contact Robert B. Rodriguez, Chief Fire Marshal / Community Services Officer, Alexandria Fire Department, at 703.746.5217 or robert.rodriguez @alexandriava.gov