CANTON TWP. ‒ Several people were injured by a “chemical release” at the U.S. Ecology facility at 2050 Central Ave. SE, according to emergency crews.
“There was a chemical release,” said Scott Johnson, public information officer for the township Fire Department. “We transported several people. There was an array of injuries from severe to moderate.”
The Stark County Hazardous Materials team responded Monday morning.
Representatives of the company denied a reporter access to the scene while emergency crew workers remained on-site. Chief Christopher Smith of the township Fire Department was not available for comment Monday morning.
“I don’t know the particulars on the incident,” said Tim Warstler, director of Stark County Emergency Management Agency. “There were people transported to the hospital. I don’t know the exact number. I think it was three or four.”
The call came in to the township Fire Department shortly before 8 a.m. Monday.
The facility, which is about one mile south of Canton, treats hazardous inorganic wastes materials, according to the company website. Among materials that are treated are wastewater sludge, acids, contaminated soil and caustic materials.
As of mid-morning Monday, township firefighters and county hazardous material crew members remained at the facility. At that time, company officials declined to discuss the incident.
