Soldotna Sewage Treatment Plant; Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

Kenai Peninsula, Alaska | 1992-Jan-30

Initial Notification: In the early morning hours of January 30, 1992, a chlorine leak developed at the Soldotna Sewage Treatment Plant located eight miles upstream from the mouth of Kenai River on the Kenai Peninsula. A chlorine cloud formed and the cold temperatures (0?F) and very stable, windless atmospheric conditions resulted in limited dispersion of this cloud. This cloud followed the river channel downstream five to eight miles before it dissipated. Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) personnel evacuated about 500 residents from both sides of the river downstream. These residents were allowed to return to their homes about 1500 the same day. The original estimate of chlorine released was 100 to 1,500 pounds; later, this estimate was reduced to 25 pounds. USCG district 17. Keyword: none.