A tractor-trailer tanker accident on Wednesday, Feb. 21, has put Mitchell County’s emergency preparedness to the test, with a comprehensive response to a hazardous materials spill along NC Highway 226 in the Buladean community. The Mitchell County Emergency Management office, along with local and state emergency services, responded to the incident, which occurred around 11 a.m.
The accident involved a tanker transporting hydrofluorosilicic acid, a chemical widely used in water fluoridation processes to prevent dental decay. This compound, a colorless and corrosive liquid, presents specific hazards, including severe burns upon contact and corrosive damage to metals and tissues. Fumes from the acid can also cause significant health issues, emphasizing the need for stringent safety protocols during its transportation and storage.
The overturned tanker led to a diesel fuel spill of approximately 20 gallons and a minor leak of the acid, less than 2 gallons. Emergency teams, equipped with the necessary protective gear, swiftly managed the situation by transferring the acid to another tanker and safely up-righting the vehicle, allowing the highway to reopen by 5:30 p.m.
This incident showcased the effectiveness of Mitchell County’s new hazardous materials response trailer, acquired through a partnership with Sibelco following a similar accident in the Red Hill area. The trailer, part of a broader initiative to enhance local emergency response capabilities, played a crucial role in the efficient management of the spill. The event also underscores the importance of the county’s chemical spill ordinance, designed to outline cleanup responsibilities and environmental protection measures in the wake of such incidents.
Efforts are underway to review the incident’s details with Sibelco and the trucking company involved, focusing on assigning cleanup responsibilities as stipulated by the county’s chemical spill ordinance. Additionally, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is assessing improvements at the intersection of North Carolina Highways 197 and 226 to enhance safety for trucks accessing the Sibelco facility.