07-28-14 Haz-Mat Spill Shuts Down Amnicola Highway

Shortly before 9:00 this morning, a tanker truck carrying a 50% solution of caustic soda was making a turn onto Amnicola Highway in front of the main entrance to Chattanooga State, when about 20 gallons of the caustic solution sloshed out. Apparently someone forgot to close a hatch on top of the tanker.

The tanker truck didn't get very far away before the spill was discovered. The Chattanooga Fire Department and Chattanooga police were called to the scene. Once the product was identified, the decision was made to close Amnicola Highway in front of Chattanooga State in both directions and re-route traffic while the spill was cleaned up. No injuries were reported and haz-mat technicians say the spill did not present any threat to the public.

Chattanooga firefighters are assisting an environmental cleanup company in cleaning up the spill (see attached video clip). No word yet on when Amnicola Highway will be re-opened to traffic.