1 Injured In Explosion At Martinez Water Treatment Plant

MARTINEZ, CA — A Martinez city official said there is no danger to the public or water supply following a "minor" chemical explosion Thursday morning at the city's water treatment plant that left one person injured. Personnel with the Martinez Police Department and Contra Costa County fire and hazmat departments responded to the incident reported at about 7:45 a.m. at the plant located at 3003 Pacheco Boulevard, Assistant City Manager Anne Cardwell said in a news release.

The explosion was reported by employees and involved a 100-gallon Sodium Hypochlorite container, Cardwell said. One employee suffered cuts and abrasions and was taken to a hospital for assessment, she said.

According to the city, a preliminary investigation of the explosion revealed that employees were moving plastic containers of Sodium Hypochlorite when one employee noticed the container hot to the touch.

"The container suddenly exploded releasing the chemical onto the ground," Cardwell said. "There is no indication that the explosion was in any way related to operations at the plant or actions by employees."

Employees acted immediately to contain the chemical and upon the arrival of ConFire and County Hazmat, containment procedures were initiated, according to the city.

The quantity released does not pose a threat to the community, Cardwell said.

Additionally, she said, the water supply at the plant was in no way impacted and operations were continuing as usual.

"Again, there is no danger or impact to the surrounding neighborhood due to this incident," Cardwell said.

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