Oct 13, 2008 1:05 pm US/Eastern
Chemical Leak Investigation Underway In Petrolia
PETROLIA (KDKA) ―
The investigation into what caused a chemical leak at a Petrolia plant over the weekend is underway.
The leak of a corrosive material called Oleum led to the evacuation of about 2,500 people Saturday evening.
Residents were cleared to go back to their home on Sunday morning.
This week, investigators will be inspecting the INDSPEC plant.
They will try to determine what specifically caused the leak.
They are trying to figure out if any clean up in necessary and if INDSPEC is responsible and needs to be fined for what happened over the weekend.
Petrolia resident Mike McConnell said a massive smoke cloud seen pouring out of the plant Saturday night was so thick he couldn't see the chemical plant across the street.
"It made your mouth dry. It started irritating the nose. I couldn't breathe. I was able to get on my bike and get out," said McConnell.
All residents were told to get out from their home when authorities realized it was a hazardous chemical.
However, it could be some time before the cause or the effects of that spill are known.
"Right now, we are operating on our normal schedules. All of our employees are working their normal shifts" said plant manager Dave Dorko. "The real focus is on the incident investigation. Safety has to be at the forefront of everything we do. We are very much determined to find the cause of this incident and, more importantly, make sure it never happens again."
"I've been told by a few people that it will take a while before the effects would actually show," said McConnell. "I don't know what's been done to the house or my vehicles or anything here. Actually, I'm thinking about relocating."
Officials from the DEP were not at the scene today due to the Columbus Day holiday.
They don't believe the residents are facing any immediate threat.
However, authorities advise residents in the area to avoid eating any outside plants or vegetables for now.
INDSPEC has set up a hotline for people to call with any questions.
That number is 1-800-661-5381.
Stay with KDKA for more details. 
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