The chemical release from a tank at the MC Tank Terminal in north Toledo has slowed significantly and the tank’s temperature continues to decrease, the city said in an update Thursday, as officials prepared to return control of the site to its owner for cleanup. Local hospitals have treated 57 people for symptoms related to the release of glycidyl methacrylate, and about seven were still receiving treatment Thursday morning. None was in serious condition, according to the city.
The release began the night of October 20 at the facility at 1266 Progress Ave. It prompted a shelter-in-place order covering a three-mile area and an evacuation order around the site. The shelter-in-place order was lifted late Wednesday, and the evacuation zone has been reduced to a quarter-mile radius around the terminal.
ProMedica, which has seen about 50 of the patients, said the most common symptoms were shortness of breath and chest tightness, treated most often with breathing treatments. Patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD have had the most serious symptoms, the health system said. A sheriff’s deputy who responded to the scene was among those treated, Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said at a news conference Wednesday.
Officials decided earlier this week to allow the reaction inside the compromised tank to run its course rather than intervene in a way that could increase risk. “As tank pressure decreases, so does the explosion risk, and crews have begun preparing to enter as conditions improve,” the city said Thursday. The stated goal for the day was to transition site control back to the owner for cleanup.
The release has also raised questions about food and outdoor spaces in the affected area. Ohio State University Extension recommended that residents and businesses discard any produce or crops that were outside within the three-mile shelter-in-place zone. The city said it will clean playgrounds within that zone using health department guidance.
Residents seeking care guidance or the latest official information can follow updates on the city of Toledo’s website, Toledo Fire & Rescue social media channels and Lucas County EMA alerts. Officials have directed anyone experiencing symptoms related to the release to seek medical care.
Thursday’s update marked a clear turn from emergency response toward recovery, with air conditions improving and the evacuation footprint at its smallest since Tuesday night. City officials said monitoring would continue while the owner begins cleanup of the site, and further updates will follow as that work gets underway.
Photo: Mbrickn, CC BY