West Virginia chemical spill
Definition
A major environmental incident on January 9, 2014, in Charleston, West Virginia, USA, where up to 10,000 gallons of crude 4-Methylcyclohexanemethanol (MCHM)—a foaming agent used in coal processing—leaked from a Freedom Industries storage tank into the Elk River, contaminating the drinking water supply for approximately 300,000 residents across nine counties.
The spill, also known as the Elk River chemical spill, resulted in a 'do-not-use' advisory for tap water, widespread health complaints including rashes and nausea, business and school closures, and federal emergency response, exposing lapses in chemical storage regulations near water intakes.
Examples
After the West Virginia chemical spill, locals quipped that their tap water had finally acquired that authentic licorice aftertaste.
The West Virginia chemical spill turned Freedom Industries into overnight experts at crisis PR, specializing in 'leak denial' strategies.
Survivors of the West Virginia chemical spill now eye every storage tank like it's auditioning for a disaster movie sequel.
The West Virginia chemical spill reminded everyone that sometimes the real hazard is assuming 'foaming agent' means safe for your morning coffee.