Accident at Dalton chemical plant raising safety concerns

DALTON, Georgia(WDEF) –  A Monday morning accident at a Dalton chemical plant is raising safety concerns for people who live and work nearby because it was the third incident in ten years that caused panic.

Meghan Wells currently works next door to MFG Chemicals and remembers the last time the plant had a chemical accident in 2012.

"I was living right down the road from it and remember the whole evacuation situation and not knowing what was going on. Just sudden, get out," Wells said.

Ryan Utley also works next door and was on shift Monday morning when a co-worker told him something bad happened at the MFG plant.

"He was like Ryan we need to leave. We’re being evacuated," Utely said.

Monday’s chemical accident sent two people to the hospital and also caused authorities to keep people away from the immediate area.

For many people, the accident was like history repeating itself.

In 2004, a runaway chemical reaction forced the evacuation of 200 families. 154 people including 15 first responders required medical attention.

Two years ago a chemical explosion sent nearly 50 people to the hospital including workers at a nearby facility.

Given the plant’s recent history of accidents, many people are asking for the company to be more transparent.

"I do think its important for that company to disclose what type of chemicals are there," said Tex Macmillian who also works next door to MFG Chemicals.

"Since this is the third incident with them and the second for me to be involved in, I would definitely like to see some new safety measures put in place. Maybe some higher-ups come in and look at what’s going on with them and why things keep happening," Wells said.

WDEF contacted MFG Chemicals by phone. A woman answered and said "there would be no comment."