McDonald Chemical Plant Expansion Includes New Siren System

A McDonald chemical plant is expanding and, included in the expansion, is a new siren and notification system.

Reaxis Chemicals on Robinson Highway is in the process of installing a new 3,200 gallon reactor used to process products like liquid polymers, plastics and sealants.

The expansion comes with increased safety concerns from Robinson Township supervisors since the plant had an acid leak in 2002.

However, the plant’s operations director, Michael Stout, said the expansion also includes a new siren and response plan.

"There are dangers with all chemicals,” Stout said. “We're in the chemical business so we live with those on a daily basis, but that's why we've put our environmental health and safety plans in place."

He said the siren and response plan will be in addition to their existing emergency warning systems for people who live nearby.

The new warning system is expected to be finalized within the next two months.