Law Firm Investigates Chemical Release at Austin Powder Plant in Ohio

A Philadelphia-based law firm has opened an investigation into the June 11 chemical release at the Austin Powder Company’s Red Diamond explosives facility in Vinton County, Ohio.

Berger Montague announced the investigation Thursday, citing concerns over potential public health impacts and environmental contamination resulting from the release of nitrogen oxide gas after a reaction in a nitric acid tank at the plant.

According to the firm, approximately 3,000 gallons of nitric acid underwent an uncontrolled chemical reaction after coming into contact with an unidentified contaminant inside a 5,000-gallon tank. The reaction produced a visible reddish-orange cloud of nitrogen oxide that drifted beyond the facility and prompted emergency evacuations in nearby Zaleski and surrounding areas. A temporary no-fly zone was also issued within a 30-nautical-mile radius of the site.

“The safety of the public and the surrounding environment must be paramount,” said attorneys representing the firm in a prepared statement. “We are investigating whether adequate safeguards were in place to prevent a reaction of this nature and to alert residents in a timely manner.”

No injuries were reported. Air monitoring conducted by state and local emergency response teams indicated that nitrogen oxide concentrations near the facility fell below established short-term health thresholds by late afternoon. Officials lifted the evacuation order around 4:30 p.m.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is overseeing the environmental response and has stated that the nitric acid itself remained contained within the storage vessel. The agency confirmed that the reaction was caused by a chemical contaminant introduced into the tank, but the source of the contamination remains under investigation.

Austin Powder Company has said it is cooperating fully with state regulators and is conducting its own internal review.

Berger Montague is encouraging residents with health concerns or information about the event to come forward.

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