Industrial Chemicals Ltd has been fined £2.5 million following two incidents of uncontrolled releases of highly corrosive acids at its site in West Thurrock, Essex. The company pleaded guilty to health and safety and environmental violations, including the release of hydrochloric acid and sulphuric acid, which posed significant risks to local residents and the environment.

The first incident occurred on January 6, 2020, when three chemical storage tanks at the site released 300,000 litres of hydrochloric acid due to poorly maintained pipework. As the acid came into contact with the atmosphere, it formed a toxic hydrogen chloride gas cloud that spread to nearby towns. The cloud led to school closures in West Thurrock and Chafford Hundred, and emergency responders advised residents to close windows and doors due to the risk of exposure to the fumes. The release lasted for approximately 24 hours.

The second incident occurred on August 29, 2020, when a crack in a pipe led to the release of 87 cubic metres of sulphuric acid into the atmosphere. The incident was exacerbated by a malfunctioning valve, which failed to stop the leak, resulting in a prolonged release that lasted until August 31, 2020. Sulphuric acid is highly corrosive and can cause severe respiratory damage if inhaled, although no injuries were reported.

A joint investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency (EA) revealed that the pipework and valves had not been properly maintained, leading to both incidents. In particular, the January release of hydrochloric acid was linked to inadequate inspection and a failure to apply a protective coating to the containment walls. The investigation into the August incident highlighted the lack of maintenance of both the pipework and the valve system.

What people are saying

In a recent quote, Maria Strangward, HSE principal inspector, said, “The uncontrolled release of significant quantities of hazardous substances in these cases was entirely avoidable. An appropriate planned maintenance programme should have been in place to ensure that pipes do not fail, and valves operate. The proactive maintenance of pipework and safety critical valves is extremely important at sites such as these."

Adrian Sherman, Environment Agency regulatory officer, added, “The Environment Agency takes its regulatory responsibilities seriously to protect communities and the environment. We expect businesses to comply with their environmental permits and will take appropriate enforcement action when they fail to do so. In this case, an appropriate inspection and maintenance programme could have prevented an environmental and public health risk.”

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