Trinseo: Equipment failure blamed for latex emulsion leak

Bristol, Pa. — An equipment failure at a Trinseo plc facility in Bristol resulted in the release of a latex emulsion product that spilled into a nearby waterway late March 24 that prompted concerns about the water supply in Philadelphia.

In a release issued March 26, Trinseo said that some of the latex emulsion product overflowed the on-site containment system and entered a storm drain where it flowed to the Otter Creek and then into the Delaware River.

In all, Trinseo estimates, about 8,100 gallons of the solution was spilled from the facility, which is operated by Altuglas LLC, a Trinseo subsidiary.

The Delaware River is a source of drinking water for the city of Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Water Department advised customers to drink only bottled water during the weekend, but then revised it saying any material from the spill wouldn't reach its systems until late March 27. It now says it is monitoring water quality and will issue updates as needed. 

Authorities immediately were notified of the leak and the company took steps to prevent the further migration of material into the storm drain.

Altuglas as well as federal and regulatory agencies — including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Coast Guard — are continuing their clean-up efforts. Authorities from Altuglas as well as federal and local agencies are testing water samples in the surrounding area to confirm that the material is not a threat to people or wildlife.

"The release of material has been stopped and our efforts are now focused on testing the local waterways," Trinseo CEO Frank Bozich said in a statement. "We are grateful for the fast response and professionalism of our local first responders, as well as the efforts of the U.S. EPA, the Pennsylvania DEP and the United States Coast Guard."

Meanwhile, Trinseo is working to ensure that the facility is protected from further leaks and/or equipment failures.

"We are conducting a thorough assessment of all of our systems and processes to identify and address potential vulnerabilities and will take the steps necessary to close any gaps," Bozich said.

According to Trinseo, the latex emulsion is a white liquid that is used in various consumer goods. Its pigmentation makes the water-soluble material visible in surface water.

The Bristol facility manufactures acrylic resins for Trinseo's Engineered Materials business. The plant employs about 110.