What We Know About Chemical Leak in Cleves

Hamilton Co. Emergency Management provided an update on Wednesday afternoon.

Half-mile evacuation radius. 

(Hamilton County, Oh.) – Hamilton County Emergency Management has released more details about Tuesday’s chemical leak in Cleves.

Dispatch received a call on Tuesday afternoon that a rail car was leaking Styrene, a dangerous chemical that is toxic and flammable and creates a dangerous situation with the potential for exposure to a toxic chemical and a possible explosion.

The public was immediately asked to stay away from the area of U.S. 50 and State Route 128 near Valley Junction Road in Cleves.

As of 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, Styrene is no longer being released from the rail car. However, officials continue to monitor the rail care and will provide updates as information changes.

The evacuation recommendation is still in effect within a half-mile radius in any direction away from the intersection.

A resource center has been established at the Whitewater Township Community Center at 6125 Dry Fork Road.

The situation has also caused the following road closures:

• U.S. 50 from Lawrenceburg Road in Whitewater to State Street in Cleves
• Stata Route 128 at Cilley Road
• Kilby Road closed at Suspension Bridge
• Cooper Avenue at U.S. 50 in Cleves

Hamilton County Emergency Management has answered frequently asked questions such as:

• Why can’t I go home yet? The situation is still active as first responders work to ensure residents’ safety. Within the half-mile radius of the event, there is still potential for exposure to toxic chemicals. In addition, there is the potential for an explosion to occur and the evacuation order will remain in place until first responders are confident the area is safe. This will likely be a multi-day event.
• What do I do if I smell an odor in the air? Residents outside of the half-mile radius should not be smelling anything related to the incident. If you smell the odor and you are in the evacuation zone, please leave the area immediately. Air monitoring is currently being performed in the vicinity of the release. At this point, there is no reason to believe Styrene would be present in the air beyond the half-mile radius.
• What are symptoms of Styrene exposure? You may experience irritation in your eyes, nose, and respiratory system. Anyone within the evacuation zone experiencing symptoms should leave the zone immediately. Those who feel they have been exposed should seek medical attention.
• What are the environmental impacts? The Village of Cleves Water Works is not experiencing any issues related to the leak.

First responders will ultimately have the say when the evacuation order is lifted, and that will be communicated through official sources.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for alerts and warnings via Alert Hamilton County at www.alerthc.org.

Information is also being passed along on the @HCEMA X page and HCEMA Facebook page.

HCEMA is advising residents to call 2-1-1 to receive information on how to access their homes.