BOGALUSA, La. -- Hazmat teams are on the scene of what's described as a minor leak at the International Paper Mill in Bogalusa.
Bogalusa Fire Chief Richard Moody said the call came in right at 7 p.m. that a pipe at the mill had burst, sending a substance called black liquor, in a mist-like form similar to fog, about half-a-mile outside of the facility.
The substance landed on Willis Avenue in front of the mill, leaving it oily. The police chief also reports some of the substance was seen on units at the police station.
The fire department has Willis Avenue closed at this time, and is in the process of sanding it. Moody said a small amount is believed to have gotten into Bogue Lusa Creek, but in a light film on top of the water. The leak has been stopped.
Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality were called in as a precaution. However, the fire chief said there is no airborne threat with this situation. Because of that, state police have not responded with their Hazmat teams.
Moody said the substance can be washed off of objects with water, and off of skin with soap and water.
There was a man fishing at the creek at the time who was taken to the hospital as a precaution, but he was treated simply with soap and water.
Again, first responders say the situation is under control at this time, but the scene is still active.
About five years ago, this plant, operated under a different company, encountered a significant spill of black liquor in an oil form, which caused a massive fish kill and still has lingering effects on area waterways on the Northshore.
