Leak sends 7 to hospital for treatment

Seven people were treated at area hospitals after a gas leak at Richmond’s wastewater-treatment plant.

The leak occurred Sunday night at the plant, which treats up to 70 million gallons of wastewater a day. The leak involved sulfur dioxide gas, which can be deadly if inhaled in large quantities.

According to public works officials, four workers on duty at the plant were evacuated and treated with oxygen. Eleven people had some reaction to the leak, but not all were treated at hospitals.

An official said the leak apparently occurred in the mixing chamber, which automatically becomes sealed off and airtight when a leak occurs.

A city spokeswoman said the plant continued to operate after the leak, and treated wastewater was safely discharged during the emergency.