Prince George, B.C. – The  chemical that spilled following a single vehicle crash on the Old Cariboo Highway  this morning was red phenol formaldehyde resin. It is a synthetic polymer frequently used as an adhesive in plywood and OSB production. 

 

The   Ministry of the Environment says the chemical is “ a thick syrupy type material” and that while it is deemed a corrosive, the MoE says there was no immediate public safety issued.

 

The chemical was in one of two large sacks on the flat deck truck, and the sack ruptured on the ground. The Old Cariboo Highway remains closed between Giscome and Johnson Roads.

 

The MoE says there is no   impact to any waterways at this time as the product is confined to the immediate site.

 

The MoE is attending the scene to assess the cleanup.

 

Initially, emergency personnel said anyone who may have driven through the crash scene should go to the hospital to be checked. They have since scaled that back to say anyone who may have stopped at the scene and had contact with the resin, to go to the hospital.