Aug. 10--A chroline leak inside a South Statesville plant resulted in the evacuation of neighborhoods around the plant for about two hours Monday morning.

Statesville Fire Department Deputy Chief David Cline said the leak was in a 2,000-pound cylinder-like tank inside Bartlett Milling on South Center Street. The leak was a small one, but as a precaution, those living southeast of the plant were evacuated.

A message was sent out via the city's communication system to alert those in the area about the situation. Most people were advised to stay inside and turn off air conditioning, Cline said.

Between 50 and 80 employees were inside the plant when the leak was noticed, and all evacuated safely, Cline said. "When we got here, there was one man missing, but he was quickly located. Bartlett Milling personnel did a good job evacuating, and keeping up with everyone," he said.

The Mooresville Fire Department Hazardous Materials team responded to the scene and contained the leak, while SFD personnel helped with washing down those firefighters who went inside the plant to contain the leak.

The call came in around 10:40 a.m., and firefighters began clearing the scene around 1 p.m. Plant personnel were allowed back inside the facility at that time, Cline said.

For more information on this story, see Tuesday's Record and Landmark.

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