CSB investigating fatal Catalyst Refiners hydrogen sulfide release

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) announced today it is opening an investigation into the fatal chemical release at Catalyst Refiners, Inc. in Nitro, West Virginia.

On April 22, a hydrogen sulfide gas release at the facility killed two workers and injured several others.

“We are opening an investigation into this tragic incident to determine how it happened and identify ways to help prevent something like this from happening again,” said Steve Owens, CSB chairperson.

Employees were preparing to shut down facility

Owned by the Ames Goldsmith Corporation, Catalyst Refiners conducted silver recycling and ethylene oxide catalyst refining operations.

Employees were in the process of shutting down operations, cleaning, and decontaminating the facility in preparation for closure, the Kanawha County Commission said in a press release.

Ames Goldsmith Corporation confirmed to West Virginia MetroNews that the plant was in the process of being decommissioned and scheduled to close in June.

Nitric acid, M2000A mixed during tank decommissioning

C.W. Sigman, Kanawha County Commission emergency management director, said during a press conference that employees were decommissioning a tank when nitric acid and a chemical known as M2000A were mixed, creating toxic hydrogen sulfide gas and causing an explosion.

Deputy County Attorney Christopher Settles said the two deceased workers were found dead at the scene when first responders arrived.

At the time of the press conference, 21 people had been brought to the hospital, including one in critical condition. The CSB later reported more than 30 people sought medical care.

Sigman said those affected in the facility were pulled out by fellow employees wearing respirators, and that seven EMS personnel were transported to the hospital.

Several shelter-in-place orders were issued for the surrounding community, and were lifted by the end of the day.

“This incident has had a real impact on workers, and on the surrounding community,” said Sylvia Johnson, CSB board member. “Understanding what went wrong is essential so that facilities handling hazardous chemicals can operate more safely and responsibly.”

Local, state, and federal investigation underway

The Kanawha County Emergency Management agency is leading the investigation, said Patrick Morrisey, Governor of West Virginia, during a second press conference.

The state Department of Environmental Protection is assisting with the safe disposal of waste materials generated during decontamination, and is also coordinating with the EPA, he said.