WASHINGTON, D.C. (WCHS) — A federal investigation has been opened into a chemical leak that led to evacuations Vinton County, Ohio, earlier this month.

The Austin Powder Company, which makes explosives and blasting materials, has been connected to two incidents where toxic nitric acid has been released, according to a news release from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board.

In addition to the June 11 leak near McArthur, Ohio, a similar gas release took place in November 2024 at the U.S. Nitrogen facility in Greene County, Tennessee, the news release said.

The Ohio leak, referred to by Austin Powder as an “an unanticipated chemical reaction,” took place in a 5,000-gallon storage tank, prompting evacuations within a three-mile radius of the leak.

In Tennessee, the company stated a “malfunction” occurred during the start-up of the facility’s nitric acid plant.

In both instances, a large brown plume formed which would be seen from miles away.

The CSB said an investigation will result in safety recommendations and guidance regarding preventative measures aimed at protecting workers, communities and the environment.

Investigators noted no injures occurred as a result of either leak, but the CSB noted incidents involving industrial chemicals could prove to be “catastrophic.”