Tesla faces potential fines after chemical spill leaks into Palo Alto drainage system and reaches local creek

Tesla faces potential fines after chemical spill leaks into Palo Alto drainage system and reaches local creek

Tesla could soon face substantial fines following a chemical spill at its Palo Alto facility, which ended up in the city’s drainage system, sparking public concern and a city investigation.

Spill Discovered During Evening Stroll

Local resident Mike Hedblom first noticed the fluorescent spill on Thursday evening while walking in his neighborhood.

Spotting an unusual, luminous liquid flowing into a drainage channel, Hedblom recorded the scene and posted it online.

When his initial call to city services went unanswered, he reported the incident to the local police.

Initial Clean-Up Efforts by Tesla Staff

Tesla employees were quick to respond to the scene, attempting to contain the spill using absorbent pads.

However, Hedblom described their cleanup supplies as “very simple,” noting that the initial response was insufficient.

Shortly after, the Palo Alto Fire Department arrived with a fire truck to assist with the cleanup efforts.

Details of the Spill and Cleanup

According to a report dated October 18, the spilled liquid, a mix of borax, lye, and green dye, is used in Tesla’s cooling system for its Artificial Intelligence Supercomputer.

While Tesla reported only 12 gallons of the liquid had escaped, a more substantial quantity, estimated at around 550 gallons, had to be recovered from the storm drain by the fire department.

The spill affected several areas, including a storm drain, a nearby gutter, and Matadero Creek, though it was contained before reaching sensitive natural zones.

City Investigation Underway

The city has launched an investigation into the incident, noting that Tesla lacked the necessary permit to store sodium hydroxide, a component of the spilled mixture.

Palo Alto officials confirmed the substance posed no immediate health risk but emphasized that sodium hydroxide can be hazardous if ingested and is known to be corrosive, potentially irritating to skin and eyes.

An ongoing probe aims to uncover the exact cause of the spill and ensure full compliance with regulatory storage standards.

Potential Penalties and Next Steps

In a recent update, the city stated it would be pursuing any necessary regulatory actions upon completing the investigation.

Possible outcomes include fines for Tesla and a requirement for reimbursement of cleanup and remediation costs.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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