Firm That Leaked Gas Can’t Resume Production

Stepan Co., an Anaheim chemical manufacturer that recently leaked gaseous sulfur trioxide into a residential neighborhood, was denied permission by air quality officials to resume production of the gas, company officials said Friday.

The company had asked the South Coast Air Quality Management District for permission, but it was denied on Thursday, said Jim Hurlbutt, a company spokesman.

The company is expected to hold a community meeting today to explain the Feb. 4 leak and will provide a toxicologist to answer medical questions from residents.

The meeting is scheduled at 11 a.m. at Julianna Park, near the plant site at Patt and Julianna streets in Anaheim.

Can Cause Irritations

Sulfur trioxide can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, nausea and skin rashes.

About 6,000 cubic feet of sulfur trioxide contaminated the nearby neighborhood, causing breathing difficulties, vomiting and eye and throat irritation.

“The purpose of the meeting is to have company people available to answer questions about the sulfur trioxide leak,” Hurlbutt said.

No injuries were initially reported during the leak, but about 100 residents complained about breathing difficulties and throat irritations, according to fire and county medical officials.

Fifteen people went to hospitals as a precaution but were later released.

Company officials believe the company can produce the sulfur trioxide safely and intend to ask the air quality district at its Tuesday meeting for permission to resume production of the gas while the company appeals the district’s decision.

“We are trying to appeal the decision because the company feels strongly that the plant can be operated safely,” Hurlbutt said.