NOₓ Release at Red Diamond Plant
McArthur, Ohio
We are providing the following update regarding the nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) release that occurred at our Red Diamond Plant on June 11, 2025.
Incident Summary
Austin Powder experienced a sudden release of NOₓ at its Red Diamond Plant. The decomposition of nitric acid caused the incident due to elevated temperatures inside a 5,000-gallon storage tank. This led to a visible release of nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) gas, which was vented through the plant’s built-in safety systems. There was no equipment failure, spill, or leak.
Immediate Response
Our team quickly activated emergency response protocols and notified the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We have also worked closely with local authorities and first responders. Air quality modeling conducted at the property’s fence line confirmed that NOₓ levels remained below health-hazard thresholds.
Current Status
We are working in close coordination with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, local authorities, and first responders to ensure comprehensive environmental assessments are completed. The safety of our employees and community remains our highest priority.
In response to this event, Austin Powder is taking the following steps:
Pending final safety and regulatory reviews, we anticipate the Red Diamond Plant could resume full operation as soon as Monday, June 16, but it could be later in the week.
For residents who were inconvenienced by the evacuation, Austin Powder will reimburse verified, reasonable expenses incurred. Please contact us at 216-839-5469 or claims@austinpowder.com to submit a claim.
We recognize the concern this incident has caused and are committed to transparency and proactive communication. We are continuing to engage with local officials and will provide additional updates as warranted.
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