Evonik Cyro’s Wallingford Plant Conducts Successful Emergency Exercise

Evonik Cyro, which operates a manufacturing plant and technical center on South Cherry Street, successfully tested its emergency response capabilities on April 30.

“We were very pleased with the success of this emergency exercise,” said Jean Marion, Plant Manager for Evonik Cyro’s Performance Polymers/Molding Compounds facility. “It was an excellent example of the professionalism, cooperation, and communication we have achieved with local agencies.”

The drill involved both Evonik Cyro and Cytec Industries Inc., which operates a
co-located facility to the Cyro plant on South Cherry Street. Employees from both companies are members of an on-site Fire Department - first responders during the drill - which also included the Town of Wallingford Fire Department and Mid-State Medical Center. The exercise lasted about 90 minutes.

Companies such as Evonik Cyro and Cytec periodically undertake emergency exercises as part of their strong commitment to ensuring the highest standards of preparedness and safety. The drill allowed members from different agencies and companies to work jointly in preparing and managing emergency situations and to ensure local personnel and supporting emergency responders’ readiness in the unlikely event of a real occurrence.

“We are very pleased with the excellent responses of the Wallingford Fire Department, the EMTs and the Mid State Medical Center,” said John Rolando, President of Evonik Cyro LLC. “We are extremely grateful to all our partners for their continuing commitment and support. I would also like to recognize the excellent planning and coordination by Evonik Cyro and Cytec employees, who were crucial to making this drill so successful.”

According to Site Manager of Cytec’s Wallingford facility Brett Giles, “Cytec and Evonik Cyro have a long history of working well together in emergency preparedness. We are pleased with the success of today’s drill and the opportunity to test our joint emergency response expertise. Maintaining strong relationships with Evonik Cyro, the Town and other community resources is paramount to ensure effective crisis management.”

Stephen Alsup, Deputy Chief for Training & EMS at the Wallingford Fire Department noted that the simulation demonstrated a high level of co-operation between the Town and Evonik Cyro and provided the organizations opportunities to share knowledge and experience. “Communication and organization are critical elements of a successful emergency response,” said Alsup.

Saturday’s scenario involved a hypothetical small chemical release that affected two of the site’s 210 workers. “The site Fire Department immediately implemented the emergency response plan,” said Marion. “Emergency Medical Technicians were called and were on site within minutes. The employee was transported to Mid State Medical Center where he was ‘treated’ and ‘released’.”

For additional information about Evonik in North America, please visit our website: www.evonik.com/north-america.