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Firefighters Working Sulfur Dioxide Leak In Gibsonton

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By VALERIE KALFRIN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 22, 2008

Updated: 08/22/2008 04:44 pm

Firefighters are working to cap a leaking tank of sulfur dioxide at a wastewater treatment plant in Gibsonton.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Capt. Bruce Delk said earlier today that the treatment plant, at 12781 U.S. 41 S., and a nearby business were evacuated as a precaution. Delk since has said he learned that the treatment plant was unmanned and that the six workers at Hanson Pipe & Precast did not evacuate.

No one was injured. A hazardous materials crew was trying to determine why the 1-ton tank leaked, Delk said.

Firefighters responded to the treatment plant about 1:50 p.m. today after water resources workers found the leak during a regular inspection, Delk said.

Sulfur dioxide is used to remove chlorine from chlorinated wastewater, Delk said.

The gas has a strong, pungent smell akin to sulfur. In low doses it can cause labored breathing, coughing and a sore throat, Delk said.

Reporter John Ceballos contributed to this report. Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at (813) 259-7800 or vkalfrin@tampatrib.com.

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