09/05/2006

Cleaning-up operations started in Caldas de Reis

Now that the immediate threat from the fire in Caldas de Reis has been controlled, further information is now available. Due to the high temperatures produced by the blaze, the stored chemicals were largely incinerated. However, a residue reached the river Umia in the water used to fight the fire.

 

Due to the contaminated fire-fighting water, the nearby river has been partly contaminated with chemicals, primarily toluene. Brenntag deeply regrets the incident and – regardless of the question of responsibility – will play an active part in a possible remediation of this part of the river.

 

Thanks to the fast and professional response of the fire service as well as Brenntag employees present on the spot, it was possible to prevent further contamination of the river. Through the building of a series of dikes, the contaminated water has been diverted into two clarification basins. Following treatment and subsequent inspection to verify acceptable water quality, it will be fed back into the river. In support of this measure, Brenntag Química has transported around 40 tons of active carbon by truck from Valencia and Seville to Caldas de Reis.

 

Furthermore, Brenntag has commissioned an independent institute to collect and analyse additional water samples. The exact cause of the accident has not been identified, investigations are still progressing. Initial cleaning-up work was started on Tuesday. 23 employees work at the facility in Caldas de Reis

 

Brenntag is cooperating closely with all the responsible authorities in order to keep the consequences for the local population as well as for the environment as low as possible. At the same time, the company attaches great importance to open communications which are based on the respective latest and confirmed facts.