News from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
April 27, 2009 - Vol. 39, No. 190
For more information contact Elen Malenfant, Emergency Prevention and Response Branch, 302-739-9404; or Melinda Carl, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.
Correction: This release is being reissued to correct the location of the road closure - Del. Rt. 9 between Del. Rt. 72 and Hamburg Road.
Cleanup Crews Onsite of Spill on Del. Route 9 near Delaware City
DNREC’s Emergency Responders, along with a cleanup crew from REACT Environmental Services, Philadelphia, are on the site of a hazardous spill that occurred today. A tractor-trailer tanker enroute from Sunoco Marcus Hook traveling to the DuPont Red Lion facility on Del. Route 9 spilled an unknown quantity of sulfuric acid onto River Road between Hamburg Road and Governor Lea Boulevard near Delaware City.
The incident happened at about 11:40 a.m.; DelDOT closed Del. Rt. 9 between Del. Rt. 72 and Hamburg Road at about noon today.
DNREC responders and environmental protection officers are investigating the incident. The road is expected to be closed for at least several more hours to allow the cleanup crew to safely remove any remaining residue from the spill from the roadway and until DelDOT determines the road is safe to open.
Nine Delmava Power and Light Company employees working near the scene were taken to Christiana Care Hospital for treatment, and two Delaware State Police troopers were advised to be evaluated at
Bayhealth Medical Center, Smyrna.
Anyone who may have driven through the spill before the road was closed and is experiencing upper respiratory symptoms or skin or eye irritation should consider medical evaluation. For health questions, contact Jerry Llewellyn at Division of Public Health at (302) 270-1823.
In addition, vehicles that may have driven through the spill or puddle should have their vehicle’s undercarriage and tires washed at a car wash to prevent any damage.