Update: Eastman
Eastman has removed the precautionary shelter in place advisory for most personnel at its Kingsport site. We’ve also removed the precautionary shelter in place for the surrounding community within a half-mile radius. Eastman’s near neighbors can resume all normal activities. We appreciate the cooperation from all our neighbors and community during this time. In an event like this, we take every precaution to ensure the safety of our employees and our site neighbors.
Kingsport City Schools is returning to normal operations. Afternoon dismissal procedures and after-school activities will take place as normal.
Eastman has removed the precautionary shelter in place advisory Wednesday for its corporate campus and surrounding community, except for those within a one-half-mile radius of the intersection of John B. Dennis and Moreland Drive in Kingsport, and personnel inside the Kingsport plant perimeter.
The shelter in place advisory was issued in an abundance of caution in response to a process upset in the coal gasification area of its Kingsport manufacturing site.
We expect to have an assessment by 3 p.m. ET whether the localized shelter in place advisory will be lifted.
Eastman will continue to share additional details as they become available.
Around 10:00 a.m. ET, we experienced a process upset in the coal gasification area of our Kingsport manufacturing site.
The upset created a loud noise and a visible plume.
No one was injured.
In an excess of caution, our employees are currently sheltered in place as we are working to secure the area.
Until more information is known, near neighbors are advised to do the same.
That means to stay indoors, turn off your HVAC system. More information will be updated on Eastman.com, the Eastman Care line 423-229-CARE and local media.
We have reported the incident to the proper regulatory authorities.
Purely as a precaution at the recommendation of local authorities, Kingsport City Schools has moved to a shelter-in-place status as an apparent situation at Eastman is investigated. KCS is in communication with Eastman and the Kingsport Police Department and will continue to update as more information is received. Normal school operations will continue as students remain inside during this time. We will continue to communicate with Eastman and KPD and provide updates as they become available.