MENDOTA- The Mendota Fire Department and EMS were called to the water plant by Lake Mendota at noon on Friday for a reported chemical spill. Personnel stated they had a barrel that contained liquid permanganate, an oxidizer, that is used in the water treatment process leaking. Carus Chemical was contacted and they sent employees to the scene who advised it would be best to open the barrel up to relieve pressure. Chief Dennis Rutishauser donned a level B suit and air pack and entered the area while the fire personnel had a hose line set up for decontamination purposes. He was able to open the barrel and relieve the pressure. The contents were going to be transferred to a new container. No injuries were reported.
