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Emergency crews responded Friday afternoon to a chemical leak at the City of Buckhannon water treatment plant on Wood Street.

BUCKHANNON — Residents living near the City of Buckhannon water treatment plant were temporarily evacuated Friday afternoon due to a chemical leak at the plant city officials said.

The closing of the plant on Wood Street was first announced after 12 p.m. Friday, with officials saying there was “a chlorine leak at the water plant. Please avoid this area until further notice.”

The city then issued a mandatory evacuation order “for all residents within a one block radius of the plant until further notice.”

After 1 p.m. the mandatory evacuation order expired. “Residents who live in the area my return home,” a City of Buckhannon release stated. “Thank you!”

After 2 p.m., the city posted a release titled “Water Plant Emergency Wrap-up.” The release stated:

“Earlier today there was a chemical leak at our water treatment plant located on Wood Street in South Buckhannon. Buckhannon Fire & Police Departments, the Upshur County EMS, and the Upshur County DHSEM (Department of Homeland Security Emergency Management) were all quickly on scene.

“As a precaution, a mandatory evacuation order was issued for all residents within a one block radius of the plant, which has since been lifted

“For our customers: our drinking water is safe to drink, there are no anticipated interruptions to service , and you do not need to conserve water. Most importantly, no injuries were reported. Thank you to our experienced employees, the many first responders involved, and to all those who were affected for your patience.”

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Originally Appeared Here