Valve failure behind Farmington chemical leak

FARMINGTON, N.M. (KRQE) - A Schlumberger spokesperson said it appears a valve failure on a primary holding tank caused a chemical leak at the company's Farmington plant over the weekend.

Company spokesman Stephen Harris told News 13 the company is still in the preliminary stages of the investigation but that their initial findings show a valve failed.

The tank that leak was holding 28 percent hydrochloric acid and 72 percent water Harris said.

The valve failure let between 1,500 and 2,000 gallons of the mix leak into a containment pit at the plant located just off the Bloomfield Highway.

Farmington Fire Department Battalion Chief Troy Brown said about 20 people had to be evacuated from an area south of the plant early Monday morning.

No one was hurt during the incident.

The FFD hazmat crew and technicians from Envirotech were able to get the leak cleaned up.
Harris said this is the first time something like this has happened at their Farmington plant.

On Wednesday The Associated Press reported the city of Farmington plans to seek restitution from Schlumberger for the costs of the police and fire response.

Schlumberger provides field services to the oil and gas industry.