A storm-related power outage at DRT America’s facility in Effingham County led to an equipment malfunction and a widespread industrial odor near Springfield on Sunday night, according to county emergency officials.
The Effingham County Emergency Management Agency issued a special advisory after residents reported a strong odor and a low cloud in the area. Officials said thunderstorms caused a broad power outage that affected the plant’s primary thermal oxidizer.
What officials reported
Thermal oxidizers are used at industrial facilities to control certain air emissions. According to the county’s advisory, the power interruption shut down the primary system at DRT America. A backup system was activated, but officials said the odor could linger while operations stabilized.
The advisory focused on explaining the source of the smell and the sequence of events following the outage. Residents were encouraged to follow updates from Effingham County EMA as conditions changed.
Storms disrupted power
The outage followed thunderstorms that moved through the county and interrupted electricity across the area. The equipment problem at the facility was one consequence of the broader service disruption.
DRT America operates a manufacturing site in Effingham County. The company produces plant-based chemical ingredients used in a range of industrial and consumer applications.
Sources: Effingham County EMA advisory; WTOC; DRT America.
