The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has launched an investigation into a chemical leak at the SABIC Innovative Chemicals facility in Selkirk, New York, after a malfunction led to the accidental release of a hazardous substance on Monday evening.

Around 7 p.m. on Monday, approximately 1,100 pounds of 2,6-Xylenol, a corrosive and acutely toxic chemical, was released into the environment due to a malfunction at the plant located off Creble Road. The DEC confirmed that while the leak did pose an environmental risk, no immediate threat to public health was reported. 2,6-Xylenol is known to cause severe skin burns, eye damage, and is toxic to aquatic life, as per the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The chemical was contained within the facility’s secondary containment system, where it quickly solidified. SABIC, in cooperation with the DEC, is actively working to collect the solidified waste and dispose of it properly in drums. Despite the rapid containment, the DEC has stressed that the investigation is ongoing, with the agency working closely with the company to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

This latest leak follows previous environmental violations at the same facility. In 2022, SABIC was fined $322,400 for the 2020 accidental release of 22,057 pounds of styrene vapor, which led to road closures and evacuations in the surrounding area. The 2020 incident involved a massive response from local and state agencies, including the State Police, State Office of Emergency Management, and local fire departments. In addition, the company has faced several fines in past years, including a $30,000 fine in 2015 for improper chemical valve operation and bypassing pollution control systems. Between 2011 and 2014, SABIC accumulated $257,000 in fines for similar violations.

The recent leak has prompted public concern in the local Selkirk community, with some residents reporting an unpleasant odor emanating from the facility. The DEC has assured the public that there is no immediate threat to public health. However, the state agency is continuing its investigation into the root cause of the malfunction. “While there is no immediate threat to public health or the environment, DEC is working closely with SABIC to investigate the root cause of the malfunction, implement corrective actions to prevent future incidents, and ensure compliance with all environmental regulations,” said a DEC spokesperson.

SABIC, headquartered in Saudi Arabia, is one of the world’s largest producers of petrochemicals. The company acquired the Selkirk facility in 2007 when it purchased GE Plastics from General Electric. The plant, originally built by GE in 1966, manufactures polyphenylene ether resins, a type of thermoplastic material used in a wide range of applications.

The DEC's investigation is ongoing, with the department emphasizing its commitment to ensuring the facility’s compliance with New York State’s strict environmental laws. "DEC will continue to ensure SABIC is in full compliance with state laws and regulations for the protection of New York residents in nearby communities," the DEC stated.

As this investigation unfolds, both residents and environmental advocates will be closely monitoring SABIC’s actions to prevent future incidents at the Selkirk facility.