No injuries reported in W. Ky. plant chemical leak

Officials say a small leak of hydrochloric acid and a refrigerant from a western Kentucky plant Tuesday kept nearby residents in their homes and closed roads for several hours.

State highway spokesman Keith Todd says the leak occurred at the Arkema chemical plant in Calvert City, about 200 miles southwest of Louisville. Todd said the leak was caused by a power outage around noon.

Stan Howard, a spokesman for Arkema, says there were no injuries or illnesses reported as a result of the leak, which lasted about 30 minutes.

Howard said it is routine to urge residents to stay inside within 5 miles of a plant when a chemical leak occurs.

The plant makes plastic coating, refrigerants, and hydrochloric acid. Arkema, based in Philadelphia, has 14 U.S. plants.