INSTITUTE, W.Va. — The state Department of Environmental Protection said Friday a multi-agency investigation into the deadly chemical reaction incident at a Kanawha County facility remains in its early stages.
The DEP is continues work at the Ames Goldsmith Catalyst Refiners operation at Institute along the federal EPA and OSHA. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board has also announced it will be conducting an investigation.
Two Ames Goldsmith workers died after being overcome with fumes Wednesday morning when a violent reaction created hydrogen sulfide gas. Authorities said they were decommissioning a tank as part of efforts to close the plant in June. A third worker remains in critical condition.
The names of the workers have not been released.
The site remained busy Friday with representatives of several agencies.
“There have been no substantive changes to site conditions. Responding agencies and the Responsible Party met Friday to discuss safety protocols and potential sampling measures as part of the ongoing investigation. Additional air monitoring is expected to be conducted within the facility,” state DEP spokesman Terry Fletcher told MetroNews Friday afternoon.
EPA Region 3 continues to monitor air quality outside the facility and in nearby downwind areas, Fletcher said.
“To date, hydrogen sulfide readings outside the facility have been non-detect, indicating no concern to public health and safety.” Fletcher said.
Further updates are expected when appropriate, Fletcher said.