Chemical Incident at Perdue Plant in Georgetown Prompts Shelter-in-Place Advisory
A chemical incident at the Perdue chicken plant in Georgetown, Delaware, caused a temporary shelter-in-place advisory for local residents on Wednesday evening. The advisory has since been lifted, though investigations into the incident are ongoing.
According to Perdue, the issue occurred when a chemical supplier mistakenly mixed peracetic acid into a tank containing a caustic chemical. This interaction produced a smoke plume that prompted emergency precautions. Peracetic acid, commonly used in meat and poultry processing to reduce bacterial contamination and spoilage, can pose respiratory risks when mishandled.
Timeline of Events
At 6:21 p.m., the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) issued an Emergency Alert System notification to the entire state, though the message primarily applied to Georgetown residents near the Perdue facility along Savannah Road. The advisory directed residents within a ½-mile radius to shelter indoors.
By 8:25 p.m., the advisory was narrowed to just a few homes in close proximity to the plant, “out of an abundance of caution,” according to Perdue. The shelter-in-place advisory was eventually lifted, allowing residents to resume normal activities.
Impact and Implications
Although the smoke plume has dissipated, questions remain about the handling of hazardous materials and communication during such incidents. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is investigating the event. While no injuries have been reported, the situation highlights the risks associated with industrial chemical use and the need for stringent safety protocols.
This incident may prompt broader discussions about chemical safety, emergency response systems, and the communication protocols for hazardous material events. Georgetown residents and businesses may wish to review their emergency preparedness plans in light of this event.
Precautions and Community Guidance
While the immediate risk from the Perdue plant incident has passed, it’s a reminder for all Delaware residents to stay informed and prepared for potential emergencies:
Stay Alert: Ensure you are signed up for local emergency alerts and know how to recognize credible warnings.
Prepare Your Home: Maintain a basic emergency kit with supplies like masks, bottled water, and a radio to stay informed during shelter-in-place advisories.
Understand the Risks: Peracetic acid and similar chemicals are widely used in food production. While incidents are rare, they underscore the importance of safety in industrial facilities near residential areas.
Disclaimer
Delaware Beaches Online is not a news agency and provides this story for informational purposes only. We encourage readers to consult official sources, such as DNREC or DEMA, for verified updates and guidance. Always exercise caution and make decisions based on your own research.
