Chattanooga firefighters in Lookout Valley were sent out Friday night to investigate reports of a strange odor in the area. The firefighters searched the area, but never found the source of the odor.
John Schultz, an investigator with the Air Pollution Control Bureau, was also out Friday night and eventually tracked the source of the odor to a business, the Chattanooga Tank Wash on Pineville Road. Mr. Schultz said company employees were cleaning out a tank that had contained Ethyl Acrylate.
Fumes from that chemical residue spread throughout the area Friday night. Mr. Schultz said some residents called the Bureau complaining of burning eyes, respiratory distress and throat irritation. No serious injuries were reported that involved emergency medical care, said police.
The tank cleaning operation stopped Friday night and Mr. Schultz said Saturday’s sun and wind should eliminate any remaining odor from Friday night’s cleaning operation. Mr. Schultz said the Bureau may pursue enforcement action against the company. The investigation will continue.