Crews working to clean up chlorine leak in Navassa as road closures continue

NAVASSA, NC (WWAY) — In Brunswick County, a chlorine spill caused road closures on Mt. Misery Rd., Cedar Hill Rd., and I-140 from US 74 to US 421 for most of the day on Saturday. 

According to a town of Navassa spokesperson, at around 5:30 a.m. Saturday morning, the Navassa Volunteer Fire Department responded to a chlorine leak at American Distillation Company on Royster Rd.  

When first responders arrived, they found large 2000 lbs bags of chlorine, one of which was releasing toxic chlorine gas. The gas likely started after the bag was exposed to moisture, the spokesperson stated.  

Local, state, and federal agencies were called in to assist with the leak. Royster Rd. was evacuated. The spokesperson added the spill poses no threat to local drinking water supplies, and that the event is isolated to the ADC warehouse. 

As of 7:25 p.m. on Saturday, a Navassa spokesperson said the scene is all clear. Residents are allowed to reenter the area, and all roads are now open.