The chemical spill resulted from a fire at Schultz Xtruded Products, a business located near MacCracken Road. The fire is due to a container that housed Hydrofluoric Acid that resulted in the chemical leaking into the Mussacuna Creek, said DeSoto County officials.
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, DeSoto County EMA, and environmental remediation companies worked to contain the damage of the leak and clean up the spill and any resulting damage.
The DeSoto County Government provided an update on the chemical spill in Mussacuna Creek Saturday.
At that time, testing showed slightly elevated PH levels in the water. Actions were taken to neutralize the PH levels, and the PH of creek water has returned to normal limits.
Soil samples and water samples have been taken and will continue to be taken during the duration of cleanup efforts.
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Equality (MSDEQ) is satisfied with the progress, so the dam is being removed to allow the creek flow to return.
There are no indications of any contamination of drinking water for the city water system, or any private water wells in the areas along creek.
As a precaution, cleanup efforts will continue on-site for several more days and crews will continue to assess nearby creeks and waterways for any impacts.
Crews temporarily dammed the Mussacuna creek to prevent further contamination.
Source: WREG Memphis
The CDC said hydrofluoric acid is created when hydrogen fluoride is dissolved in water. Hydrogen fluoride is a compound used to make refrigerants, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, high-octane gasoline, aluminum, plastics, electrical components, and fluorescent light bulbs.
Symptoms of hydrogen fluoride exposure include irritation of the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract. At high levels or in combination with skin contact, it can cause death from an irregular heartbeat or fluid buildup in the lungs, according to the CDC.