x
Breaking News
More () »

Louisville Fire responds to chemical spill at JBS Pork processing plant in Butchertown

Over 100 gallons of chemical solution were released during the spill.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Fire responded to a chemical spill Thursday night at a food processing plant in Butchertown.

At about 8:30 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to JBS Pork at 1200 Story Avenue on report of a chemical spill, according to an LFD news release.

Fire and HazMat crews arrived on scene within two minutes after receiving the call. Plant officials told Louisville Fire there was a sodium bisulfite 40% leak inside the facility.

A HazMat entry team entered the facility at about 10:15 p.m. and was able to stop the leak after about 12 minutes. According to Louisville Fire, the chemical spill was leaking from a malfunctioning coupling on a pipe.

The plant's computer system calculated that 107 gallons of chemical solution were released during the spill; however, the leak was contained inside the building.

No injuries were reported. Louisville Fire crews remained on scene until about 11:45 p.m. MSD, the Health department, Louisville Water Co., LMEMS and LMPD also responded to this incident.

MSD released the following statement in regards to the chemical spill:

"It is my understanding that the sodium bisulfite was spilled but went to the drain and through the pretreatment system.  The material has a low pH,. But was neutralized in pretreatment.  There was no impact to MSD."

Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.

Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.

Before You Leave, Check This Out