Allen County EMA Confirms No Public Threat After Gasoline Vapor Release at Lima Refining Company

The Allen County EMA has officially released a statement on a chemical leak incident that took place at the Lima Refining Company earlier this morning.

Lima Refining Company is responding to a release of gasoline vapors from a tank vent, which contributed to benzene readings in an isolated area for a short time. Shawnee Township Fire Department and EMA are on scene.

As a precautionary measure, community members were asked to avoid Buckeye Road. That road has since been opened.

There may be an odor, local air quality is being monitored. There are no detectable readings at this time. There has been no directive from local authorities or Lima Refinery to alter daily activities. Activities can continue as normal. “There is no shelter in place order, no danger to the public,” Shawnee Township Fire Chief Austin Miller.

All Refinery workers have been accounted for and no injuries have been reported. 

More information will be provided as it becomes available.