For Release: Thursday, December 29, 2011

Nitric Acid Spill in Rochester

A spill of nitric acid was discovered about 9:00 a.m. Thursday, December 29, at Eastman Business Park, Kodak Building 156, located at 681 West Ridge Road in the city of Rochester.

Approximately 1,700 gallons of nitric acid was pumped to a 2,000 gallon tank from a larger tank. The excess acid spilled onto the floor and was captured in a sump tank. Once the sump tank was full, the acid pooled inside the building and flowed outside the building. It is estimated that approximately 500 gallons of acid was lost in an area about 10 feet by 30 feet on the south side of the building.

While the building was evacuated, no injuries were reported and no outdoor air issues of significance have been detected. The spill occurred as the result of a valve not completely shut. DEC will oversee the cleanup which has already begun. Visibly contaminated soils have been removed and collected.