Calcium Chloride Spill; Kenosha, WI

Kenosha, WI | 2005-Aug-08

Initial Notification: The NOAA SSC was contacted in regards to a 4000-gallon spill of calcium chlorides 32% solution. The solution was spilled in to a storm water sewer drain. The drain was approximately 2 miles from Lake Michigan. The USCG FOSC wanted information on the potential impacts from dilute calcium chloride solution on the biota in Lake Michigan. The local fire department was preparing to flush the storm drain with copious amounts of water. The local fire department ultimately flushed the drain with 3000 gallons of water per minute for 3 hours. The flushing water entered the drain at three different locations on the run to the lake. The drain entered the lake in an open area, which would allow for maximum dilution. The USCG reported no impacts from the flushing of the CaCl to Lake Michigan.