Toledo Eases Orders After Chemical Release

A hazardous chemical release at a Toledo tank facility prompted evacuations and a shelter-in-place order before officials eased restrictions Wednesday. The city said the shelter order had been lifted and the evacuation zone reduced to a half-mile. The release began Tuesday night at a facility connected to MC Tank Transport’s operations near Progress Avenue. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency said the chemical was glycidyl methacrylate, released from a tank with a 5,500-gallon capacity after an error during a transfer. The agency spokesperson did not describe the specific failure. Toledo Fire Rescue initially ordered people within one mile of the site to evacuate. Officials later directed residents within three miles to shelter indoors, close windows and doors, and turn off ventilation systems drawing in outside air. The city said the wider shelter-in-place order was lifted Wednesday afternoon, while the evacuation boundary was narrowed to a half-mile. The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department said at least 60 people were being treated Wednesday evening for symptoms potentially related to the release. ProMedica said it had evaluated and treated about 30 patients at...