Chemical spill on Lombard St. is harmless

The chemical spill at the Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) wharf, Lombard Street on Wednesday is “nonhazardous, non-toxic and harmless to human and marine life,” according to a statement from the corporation.

In a short statement released on Wednesday afternoon, the company said the chemical “Rheduce” was in a container in a designated area when it was ruptured during the handling of cargo at the Terminal.

According to the GNIC, the chemical leaked and accumulated in a small area around the container but there was no quick response action to mop up the substance.

While awaiting persons to begin the cleanup process, rainfall caused the substance to spread, causing “a panic reaction by customs,” resulting in the closure of the Terminal.

The relevant authorities have since visited the site and ensured a proper cleanup of the area since the substance was washed into the public drainage.

Involved in the operation were the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Fire Service (GFS).

“A number of actions as advised by the relevant authorities to mitigate against such re-occurrence have been initiated,” the GNIC said.

The agency added that it is in talks with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding mitigating measures to be employed moving forward.