Univeter Road Reopens Following Acid Spill At Chicken Plant

CANTON, GA — Univeter Road has reopened to vehicular traffic after an acid spill shut down the major street Friday afternoon in front of the Pilgrim's Pride chicken processing plant in Canton. Four people were transported to an area hospital following the chemical spill reported Friday afternoon near Chattin Drive, Cherokee County officials said.

Cherokee Sheriff's Office spokesperson Jay Baker said two employees from Pilgrim's pride and two additional people were transported for treatment after the spill. The latter two individuals, he said, were construction workers who were passed by the truck and reported "breathing issues" after that very brief encounter.

A FedEx truck delivering the parcel to Pilgrim's Pride noticed it was leaking peracetic acid, Baker told Patch. The leak, he noted, was discovered once the truck entered the chicken plant's property. Cameron Bruett, a spokesperson with Pilgrim's pride, said the acid is a disinfectant commonly used in production plants.

"We are cooperating with local authorities to ensure the safety of our team members and the community," Bruett told Patch Friday afternoon. Employees at the plant, which total about 300, were also evacuated from the facility, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution notes.

Interstate 575 was initially shut down in both directions between Exits 14 and 16, but reopened to motorists early Friday evening. Baker said Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services' Hazmat Team responded to the scene to clean up the mess.

(For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here)

Image via Shutterstock