BioLab still looking for 'root cause' of chemical incident

WESTLAKE, La. (KPLC) – BioLab officials have given a report on what happened on July 2 when a white cloud emanated from the Westlake facility.

Two and a half months later, authorities are still trying to determine the cause of the incident. A containment measure was put in place when a chemical reaction caused smoke similar to that coming from the facility.

Plant general manager Garrett Speights said they were still investigating the root cause of the incident which began around 7:30 a.m.

“We had no reports of damage or leaks in the warehouse prior to the event and no cause of water infiltration had been identified prior to the event,” Speights said. “There were quite a few fairly heavy rain events around the event, so we’re just trying to investigate that issue. We just haven’t found the root cause yet.”

Speights told members of the local emergency planning committee that the cloud contained hydrochloric acid. Biolab makes swimming pool supplies.

“This smoke was primarily composed of HCL and water vapor and potentially fine particles from floor sweepers or dust products that could have been picked up by the smoke. The smoke was visible from about 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., 10:51 a.m.,” Speights said.

Speights said the Louisiana DEQ took air samples around the perimeter of the property and did not detect any chemicals.

“The tests showed no detectable results and during the compression of the decomposing soil, the smoke, that’s what you saw. It’s from an exothermic reaction of the decomposing soil. That’s where the smoke is coming from,” Speights said.

Speights says no company employees were injured in the incident.

The State Police also prepared a report on the incident. We requested a copy but have not yet received it.