‘Malfunction’ prompts release of plumes from Greene Co. plant, raising concerns among some in community [Video]

GREENE COUNTY, Tenn. — A “malfunction” at a Greene County chemical plant sent two plumes containing nitric acid into the surrounding air Sunday morning, raising concerns among some neighbors, officials said.

“US Nitrogen experienced a malfunction during a routine startup of our nitric acid plant. The nitric acid plant’s exhaust stack was noted to have a more prominent emission than typical. The plant was immediately shutdown and secured.

“All local and government authorities were promptly notified of the situation. US Nitrogen is currently investigating the root cause of the malfunction. At this time we can confirm that there has been no harm to human health or the environment,” according to a statement Sunday afternoon from the Austin Powder Co., which owns US Nitrogen LLC near the Mosheim community.

No one was evacuated. No …