A chlorine leak in Renton led to a cautionary shelter in place alert on Friday, June 20, as Renton Regional Fire Authority, Puget Sound Fire and Port of Seattle hazardous material units worked together to contain it.

On June 20 at 12:15 p.m. near Liberty Park, the leak occured when a contractor for the City of Renton was performing maintenance on the city’s chlorine gas system at Emergency Well 3 and was due to a valve on the gas cylinder not being fully closed before removing the regulator, said Public Works administrator Martin Pastucha.

“Once the leak was released in the building the contractor evacuated the building and called 911. Fire Authority Hazmat Team responded and successfully closed the valve and stopped the leak. The building was vented for a short time to allow the small amount of gas to dissipate,” said Pastucha.

The shelter in place alert was lifted when the leak was stopped.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chlorine is a chemical element that is turned into a liquid for storage and transport.

When it is released, it quickly turns into a gas, which spreads quickly as it stays close to the ground. When chlorine gas touches the eyes, throat or lungs, it creates an acid that can damage these and other moist tissues.

When chlorine gas is released outdoors, sheltering in place is a safe option. Make sure all windows are closed and ventilation systems are turned off, according to the CDC.

Courtesy photo.