Chemical leak: TNPCB notice to US supplier

By K. Ramachandran

CHENNAI, MARCH 27. The TN Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has sent a notice to a US- based supplier of ethylchloroformate, which created a toxic leak scare in Manali, after getting denatured at a warehouse last week.

The notice deals with the means of safe neutralisation and disposal of a chemical consignment, a part of which had leaked from containers stored in the warehouse.

The notice faulted the Pittsburgh-based company for not identifying the probable major accident in transportation, handling and storage of the chemical and for not having formulated on-site management plans to prevent such leaks and to limit the effects on human and the environment. The entire episode has brought to light some of the severe defects in handling of toxic chemicals during storage and transit.

It has also exposed the TNPCB's limited capability in monitoring movement and storage of hazardous chemicals.

The company M/S PPG Industries Inc. had exported the consignment of 76 drums of `ethylchloroformate' from the US to a Hyderabad- based importer on February 10. The chemical is used in pharmaceutical and pesticide manufacture.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency classification, ethylchloroformate, a colourless chemical, is highly corrosive, combustible and toxic. A leak could cause skin and eye irritation and in cases could affect the respiratory tracts. It has limited shelf life even in unopened, original containers and has to be protected from moisture, light and heat.

The drums were in a public bonded warehouse at Vaikadu, Manali, north of Chennai. On March 14, the US principals were informed of a `swelling of some of the drums' and they rushed to Chennai. On March 18, three drums ruptured and the chemical spilt over into the warehouse. The same day the company wrote to the Government and PCB authorities seeking police assistance to maintain a safe perimeter in and around the `exposure area' as recommended by on- site experts.

Even while contending that they were not the occupier of the premises where the chemical was stored and did not have any obligation under the pollution control statutes, the PPG officials offered assistance to restore normality.

An emergency meeting of the Tiruvallur District Crisis Group was convened under the chairmanship of the Collector to discuss an emergency plan to successfully mitigate the accident hazard.

Two days later, PPG representatives sought approval for the final safe disposal of the ethylchloroformate, the TNPCB gave permission to do so at their facility at SIDCO Estate, Alathur, on the condition that the unit should ensure that the product exported to Hyderabad importer, was ethylchloroformate only by taking samples in the presence of TNPCB officials and getting them analysed in competent laboratories.

The notice explained the conditions for depressurising, loading, safe movement and means of safe disposal, on maintaining a log book, with final quantity of the effluents, and their treatment as per ``TNPCB standards''. The US company has been asked to bear responsibility for the tasks and the entire cost and in case of adverse impact, the cost of an environmental impact study and remedial measures, the notice added.

While the response to the notice is awaited, environmentalists express concern about the consequences of a largescale leak of such a chemical, as it contained a minute amount of phosgene.

They contend that both the exporter and the importer should have informed the PCB authorities of the consignment and its potential for disaster in case of an accident. Most countries have a system to report and to monitor the movement of containers with dangerous/hazardous chemicals especially at entry points. ``The TNPCB does not have efficient systems at ports and airports''.

There is also no coordination among the Customs, TNPCB and other regulatory bodies.

In April 1998, a G.O. was issued on formation of State, district and local level committees under the Chemical Accidents (Emergency, Planning, Preparedness and Response) Rules, 1996, outlining the responsibilities of each committee, through a method of regular review. But environmental activists wonder whether they meet at all or plans formulated.

The fallout of the episode is now monitored directly by the Chief Minister's Secretariat. But the TNPCB is yet to officially make a statement, though a full week has passed.

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