This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2005, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
l What was in the tanker?
Nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, ammonia and acetic acid in a water solution, according to the Utah Department of Health. Lab tests also indicate phosphoric acid may have been present.
l Did the spill harm human health or the environment?
Fire officials say no one was injured or sickened during the spill or its cleanup. Environmental regulators say there was no significant harm to water or air.
l How big was the spill, and how is it being cleaned up?
About 7,000 gallons of the chemicals spilled. The contaminated soil was neutralized with a combination of lime and soda ash. The cleanup was to be finished by noon today, and the soil will be neutralized and kept on site until it can be taken to a landfill.
l Who pays for
the cleanup?
Under South Salt Lake's hazardous material recovery ordinance, the companies involved - Union Pacific, Kennecott Utah Copper and Philip Services Corp. - are responsible for recovery costs estimated at between $350,000 and $400,000.