Liquid Chlorine Leak Closes Eastbound Lanes of the Courtney Campbell Causeway
Multiple agencies were dispatched to reports of a box truck leaking a corrosive chemical in the eastbound lanes of the Courtney Campbell at approximately 7:15 a.m. on Thursday, June 14, 2018.
Arriving crews determined that an approximately 500 gallon barrel of chlorine (10% sodium hypochlorite) was leaking into the median. A request was made to dispatch the Pinellas County Hazardous Materials Response Team.
Attempts are currently being made to stop the leak and prevent flow of the chlorine into the waterway.
All eastbound lanes are now closed as traffic is being diverted at Bayshore Blvd.
Motorist should use Hillsborough Avenue or the Howard Frankland Bridge for travel to Tampa.
In addition, expect slowdowns in the westbound lanes due to the ongoing incident and some eastbound vehicles being turned around back in the westbound direction.
All of these barrels of liquid chlorine that have been contained will have to be transferred to another truck. The substance is pool grade 10 percent chlorine. pic.twitter.com/ttBoMy5McG
— Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department (@clearwaterfire) June 14, 2018
Firefighters working at the scene of the chlorine spill on the Courtney Campbell. Largo, Seminole, St. Petersburg and Palm Harbor are among those on scene assisting us in the effort. pic.twitter.com/PoYejOpniB
— Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department (@clearwaterfire) June 14, 2018
Hazmat crews from many agencies are on scene to contain the leak. About 150 gallons has been spilled so far. Much of it is being collected now before it hits the ground. pic.twitter.com/AcQs6n3XV8
— Clearwater Police Department (@myclearwaterPD) June 14, 2018
As of 8:40 a.m. the leak has been contained and remaining chlorine transferred into a sealed container. Cleanup underway which will take approximately 30 minutes.
As of 9:55 a.m., all lanes of eastbound Courtney Campbell have reopened. Drivers should watch for a brief right lane shutdown in the immediate vicinity of the spill.