Chemical leak contained at refinery in Linden, NJ

LINDEN, N.J. (WABC) -- Hazmat teams contained a chemical leak Monday morning at a refinery in Linden, New Jersey.

It happened at the Philips 66 - Bayway refinery, where the leak was detected at about 8 a.m. on a drum containing Ethylaluminium dichloride solution in a hydrocarbon oil, that is used in the refining process.

The state health department says the highly flammable and reactive chemical can irritate the nose, eyes and skin. It can also cause rash and burns.

A Bayway Refinery Complex shelter in place was ordered as a precautionary measure, and was lifted at about 9:50 a.m.

According to Infineum USA, an estimated 1400 pounds of the chemical was released in the form of a cloud that dissipated within the hour.

Police say there was no threat to the immediate area.

Police have not received any complaints from anyone outside the plant reporting any symptoms related to the release of the chemical.

Officers who responded to the area have also not reported any symptoms.

Infineum USA said no injuries were reported, and crews dispatched to monitor the fenceline and surrounding areas did not detect any odor or hydrocarbon concentrations.

The incident is under investigation.