Eric Boll

1 week ago | athensindependent.com | Dani Kington |Eric Boll

VINTON COUNTY, Ohio — A week after an industrial accident sent a chemical plume into the skies over Vinton County, officials have provided few answers regarding what exactly went wrong at the Austin Powder plant — which has a long history of violations. Cleveland-based Austin Powder Company manufactures explosives for mining operations worldwide. The Red Diamond facility in Vinton County is the company’s primary site in North America, according to its website.

2 weeks ago | athensindependent.com | Dani Kington |Eric Boll

VINTON COUNTY, Ohio — Vinton County residents in Zaleski and nearby areas have been asked to evacuate their homes on Wednesday, June 11 after a tank began leaking at the Austin Powder factory, releasing a plume of nitric oxide into the sky. Jackson County Emergency Management Director Robert Czechlewski said in a press conference that a 5,000-gallon tank containing nitric acid leaked, creating nitric oxide as it came in contact with the air.