ALLEN COUNTY, OH (WLIO) - An issue with a unit at Cenovus Lima Refinery caused a release of gasoline vapors and created detectable benzene levels in an isolated area. Cenovus says the unit being worked on has been stabilized, and they continue to monitor local air quality; there are no detectable benzene readings at this time.
Cenovus says the unit being worked on has been stabilized, and they continue to monitor local air quality; there are no detectable benzene readings at this time.
There were strong odors as a result of a tank vent Thursday morning. Shawnee Fire Chief Austin Miller says they were called out to the area of Buckeye Road around 6 o'clock for a suspicious odor.
Allen County EMA Director Jared Gesler says there were no injuries. He says, as a precautionary measure, they closed a portion of Buckeye Road south of the refinery, but the road has since been opened.
Chief Miller said there was no danger to the public, but as a precaution, a few local businesses were initially asked to shelter in place while they investigated.
Chief Miller said there was no danger to the public, but as a precaution, a few local businesses were initially asked to shelter in place while they investigated.
Apollo Career Center administration decided to issue a shelter-in-place for their students this morning. The Shawnee School District notified its parents that, out of an abundance of caution, they dismissed their students early anyway.
Editor Note/Update: The article has been updated to reflect new information from officials.
*UPDATE* November 7, 2024, 4:10 PM Media Release from Chief Austin Miller, Shawnee Township Fire Department: We would like to inform the community about a vapor release incident that occurred earlier today. The situation is considered closed and under control. We want to assure that there is no danger to the community.
At 5:58 AM, STFD units were dispatched to the area of Buckeye Rd. for a report of a suspicious odor. Upon investigation, it was determined that gasoline vapors from a tank vent were contributing to a minimal reading of benzene gas. The wind speed was 3 mph, blowing south.
As a precautionary measure, a few local businesses were initially asked to shelter in place while we conducted a thorough investigation. It was quickly determined that the incident did not expand south past Buckeye Rd.
The safety of our community remains our top priority, and we are committed to ensuring that all necessary precautions were taken to address the situation promptly and effectively.
We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of the affected business and the community at large.
November 7, 2024, 11:28 AM Update from Cenovus Energy: The unit being worked on at the Lima Refinery has been stabilized. Buckeye Road has now re-opened; we appreciate the patience of residents for any inconvenience this may have caused. We continue to monitor local air quality and there are no detectable readings at this time. The Refinery’s first priority is the safety of our people, responders, and the community.
November 7, 2024, 10:58 AM Press Release from the Allen County EMA: Lima Refining Company is responding to a release of gasoline vapors from a tank vent, which contributed to benzene readings in an isolated area for a short time. Shawnee Township Fire Department and EMA are on the scene.
As a precautionary measure, community members were asked to avoid Buckeye Road. That road has since been opened.
There may be an odor; local air quality is being monitored. There are no detectable readings at this time. There has been no directive from local authorities or Lima Refinery to alter daily activities. Activities can continue as normal. “There is no shelter-in-place order, no danger to the public,” stated Shawnee Township Fire Chief Austin Miller.
All refinery workers have been accounted for, and no injuries have been reported.
