Local fire departments involved in remedying I-22 chemical spill

Local fire departments got some unexpected on-the-job training yesterday, May 10th, as a result of their participation in the clearing up of a chemical spill on I-22.

New Albany Fire Chief Steve Coker, who is also Union County fire commissioner, said equipment from city and county volunteer fire departments was used yesterday to transport 35,000 gallons of water to the site of the hydrogen peroxide spill west of New Albany on Interstate 22.

Coker said 3000 to 4000 gallons of concentrated hydrogen peroxide spilled onto the highway right of way when the truck carrying it turned over early Wednesday morning near mile marker 59 on I-22. A temporary dam was built at the spill site. Coker said the 35,000 gallons of water was used to dilute the pH of the H2O2 enough that it could be allowed to evaporate into the atmosphere and seep into the soil.

Both the westbound and the eastbound lanes of I-22 were closed for about 12 hours yesterday after a tanker truck overturned on the highway. All traffic was diverted to Highway 178 between the Myrtle and Glenfield Road exits until the spill was contained and neutralized. After about 12 hours, one eastbound lane of I-22 was opened while work continued on the westbound side.