But while Mr. Chako invited audience members to talk with him about beryllium after the hearing, he said the firm is not interested in an open forum. Instead, he said, Brush is willing to discuss beryllium matters with small groups. Brush has emergency response plans for incidents involving materials other than hydrofluoric acid and propane, Mr. Chako said, but those are the only materials for which the firm is required to hold a hearing. Other plans are on file with emergency planning and response agencies. The Elmore plant uses hydrofluoric acid as part of the manufacturing process for beryllium, a strong, lightweight metal.
Propane fuels the plant's forklift trucks and is a backup heating fuel.
Propane is an explosion and fire hazard and can cause eye, nose, throat, stomach, and skin irritation. Since it is heavier than air, hydrofluoric acid tends to stay close to the ground when released. Mr. Chako said Brush has had leaks that were contained within the plant, but no accidents have had outside consequences, nor has there been an accident involving a tanker truck transporting the acid to the plant. All rights reserved.