FULL STORY: https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/ohio/chemical-leak-austin-powder-red-diamond-manufacturing-plant-vinton-county-ohio/530-0a026700-a218-427e-b3ba-1165a924830e Thousands of gallons of nitric acid leaking from a tank at a manufacturing facility prompted evacuations in Vinton County Wednesday morning. Around 8:30 a.m., first responders received notice of a chemical leak at the Austin Powder Red Diamond plant, located at 32000 Powder Plant Rd. in McArthur. According to the company’s website, Austin Powder is headquartered in Cleveland and the manufacturing facility in Vinton County is known as Red Diamond. The company produces industrial explosives used for mining and construction purposes. Jackson County Emergency Management Director Robert Czechlewski initially told 10TV that a storage tank containing 50,000 gallons of nitric acid was leaking. He later explained that there was a miscommunication and that there were 3,000 gallons of nitric acid leaking from a 5,000-gallon tank. It's unclear how the leak started. The Ohio EPA said the nitric acid entered a 5,000-galloon process tank and it had a reaction in the tank. The reaction in the tank created nitrogen oxide gas and vented into the air. Photos sent by a 10TV viewer show the sky filling up with an orangish-brown gas. Workers and residents in the immediate area were asked to evacuate, including those living in the village of Zaleski. The American Red Cross opened a shelter at Vinton County High School for evacuees. Just before 4:45 p.m., the sheriff's office said the evacuation order was lifted for Zaleski, Powder Plant Road, Morgan Road, Infirmary Road and Creek Road. There were no reports of injuries from the chemical leak. The plume of smoke has dissipated, according to the Ohio EPA. Brad Price with the Vinton County Health Department said the exposure to the nitric oxide could have some people feel irritation in their eyes and nose. They could also experience drowsiness, which could lead to unconsciousness. Price advised that anyone who had been exposed to nitric oxide flush out their eyes and clean their skin. Anyone with further concerns or experiencing different symptoms should contact their primary health care provider. According to a joint press release from the sheriff's office, emergency management agency and health department, there is no reason to believe that water from private water wells is unsafe to drink, this includes agricultural wells used for animals. The Ohio Department of Transportation reports that state Routes 328, 677 and 278 are closed. It’s unclear the roads will reopen.