OXNARD : Neighborhood Sealed Off After Chlorine Leak

Several blocks in Oxnard’s La Colonia neighborhood were sealed off by firefighters Wednesday morning because of vapors from a leaking tank of chlorine gas, authorities said.

Workers at Sea Products, a squid-processing business, discovered that the tank had a small leak Tuesday and submerged it in a large tub of water.

By Wednesday, the valve on the tank had rusted through, and more chlorine gas had escaped.

Mike Carpenter, the firm’s manager, called the Fire Department about 8:15 a.m. when the odor became noticeable.

Firefighters then shut down 3rd Street between Oxnard Boulevard and Rose Avenue while police officers advised neighbors to evacuate or stay indoors.

A hazardous-materials crew from the Fire Department made plans to repair the tank, but it had emptied itself within an hour, said Battalion Chief Terry McAnally.

Half a dozen people suffered breathing problems and were treated by paramedics. No one was seriously injured, and 3rd Street was reopened by 12:30 p.m.

Fire officials are investigating to find out who left the chlorine tank at the building. Carpenter said the tank had sat in a corner of the lot since Sea Products moved in two years ago.