231-733-2181
10/16/23 – Hydrochloric Acid Incident Update – 11:55AM
Chemical Spill On Site
At Webb Chemical, one of our goals is to provide a safe workplace for our employees and guests as we manage our day-to-day operations, as well as to maintain safe operations as we distribute our products. However, there are times when things go wrong and unfortunately we are experiencing such an event.
1.) As we respond, our goal is to ensure there is no negative effect on the health of anyone or to the environment.
2.) The incident began at approximately 11:00 AM.
3.) This event could best be described as a chemical spill.
4.) The chemical that was spilled is Hydrochloric Acid Baume.
5.) In our facility, this product is stored in for packaging and distribution.
6.) In the consumer world, this is used in pool chemistry and concrete etching.
7.) The location where this event is underway is commonly known as Building 4, South East Corner of Property.
8.) The address is 2708 Jarman St., Muskegon Heights, MI 49444.
9.) The appropriate agencies were notified via 911, including the Muskegon County Hazardous Materials Response Team, Muskegon Heights Fire Department, the Muskegon Fire Department, and the Muskegon Heights Police Department.
10.) Limited Evacuations are being conducted by the Muskegon Heights Fire Department, for further details please contact the fire department.
11.) The additional information we are sharing relates only to our employees and the people associated with our organization. We respectfully defer to the agencies involved to share information about other individuals or other aspects of this event.
12. ) We can confirm there are no known fatalities.
13.) We can confirm there are no known injuries.
14.) At this time everyone is accounted for.
15.) We are working with authorities and experts to determine the best way to respond to this incident.
16.) The response to this is a coordinated effort that includes our own emergency response team, the Muskegon Heights Fire Department, and Hazardous Materials response from Muskegon County.
17.) This situation has not caused any contamination to the ground at the site, has not caused any contamination to the ground off of the site, and was contained by a safety containment system on site.
18.) The event is being evaluated for possible off-site contamination of the air.
19.) The event has not caused any on-site contamination of water and has not caused any off-site contamination of water.
20.) At this time we have halted some operations.
21.) Employees on duty should avoid the area of the facility where this event is taking place.
22.) Activities normally occurring at the affected location will be relocated to building 3 until further notice.
23.) Individuals who are feeling ill at this time should seek immediate medical care.
24.) At this time crews are evaluating the situation and taking air samples.25.) Regarding the quantity of material involved, it is estimated to be 2000 gal.
26.) Employees not at work are being directed to report to work as scheduled.
27.) The cause of leak is undetermined but will be pursued via investigation.
28.) We will cooperate with all agencies in their investigations.
29.) We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
30.) We will do our best to promptly reschedule any projects that may have been delayed because of this event.
31. ) We would like to thank all of the people who responded from law enforcement and the fire department.
32. ) We would like to thank our employees for their professionalism in handling this event.
33.) We will conduct our own investigation to determine exactly what happened, why it happened, and how we can keep this from happening again.
About Webb Chemical
Webb Chemical Service Corporation is a full-service chemical distributor with locations in Muskegon Heights, Michigan and Fort Wayne, Indiana. We are dedicated to safety, quality products, and superior customer service.
The Webb Chemical Difference
Our founder, Mr. William Barger, recognized a need for on-time deliveries and excellent customer service in the chemical distribution industry. He saw the value of owning his own delivery truck to increase control of deliveries and ensure on-time service. With those goals in mind, Webb Chemical began operation in December 1963.
Webb Chemical has grown and expanded since those first years but one thing has not changed. We are still committed to providing on-time deliveries and excellent customer service. We own a modern fleet of equipment that includes 40+ tankers, 20 delivery boxes, and 24 tractors. The Webb Chemical team of professionals has grown to 100+ employees, each one dedicated to making you our number one priority.
We believe our Services, Chemicals, and Customer Service is the difference your company is looking for.
NACD Responsible Distribution
Webb Chemical is a proud member of the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD). NACD is an international association of chemical distributors and supply-chain partners. NACD members formulate, blend, re-package, warehouse, transport, and market chemical products for over 750,000 customers. Webb Chemical Service Corporation received the NACD 2014 Responsible Distribution Excellence Award.
Chemical Distribution Network
Webb Chemical is a charter member of the Chemical Distribution Network (CDN). CDN is a group of 18 independent distributors with a proven track record of service excellence and stewardship in chemical distribution.
Integrated Quality System
Webb Chemical has an integrated quality system which includes:
• ISO 9001’s Quality Management System
• ISO 14001’s Environmental Management System
• FSSC 22000’s Food Safety System
• NACD’s Responsible Distribution
This integrated approach follows our vision to grow value for our Customers, Coworkers, Company and Community with the benefits of community outreach, product stewardship, safety, and security.
Webb History
Webb founder, Mr. Barger, made sales calls in the morning, changed clothes to deliver chemicals in the afternoon, and hand wrote invoices at the end of the day. Learn how Webb Chemical has since grown and expanded while maintaining the same commitment to excellent service.
Webb Leadership
The Webb Chemical leadership team is comprised of individuals with extensive industry experience and expertise. Their leadership drives our company-wide commitment to you, our customer. We are dedicated to continuous improvement and exceeding your expectations.
Webb Happenings
What’s the latest company news? How do Webb employees engage with and serve their local communities? Who are the individuals that make up the Webb team of professionals? New products? Creative solutions? Webb Happenings is your one-stop weekly update for all things Webb!