04-18-15 Source of Chemical Odor Found

The firefighters searched the area, but never found the source of the odor.

John Schultz, an investigator with the Air Pollution Control Bureau, was also out last night and eventually tracked the source of the odor to a business, the Chattanooga Tank Wash on Pineville Road. Mr. Schultz said company employees were cleaning out a tank that had contained Ethyl Acrylate. Fumes from that chemical residue spread throughout the area last night. Mr. Schultz said some residents called the Bureau complaining of burning eyes, respiratory distress and throat irritation. No serious injuries were reported to us that involved emergency medical care.

The tank cleaning operation stopped last night and Mr. Schultz said today's sun and wind should eliminate any remaining odor from last night's cleaning operation. Mr. Schultz said the Bureau may pursue enforcement action against the company. The investigation will continue.

* Note to Media: That is all the information I have on this incident and I will not be available for any on-camera interviews on this. Follow-up questions on this incident should be directed to the Air Pollution Control Bureau.