GEISMAR - Residents near the Honeywell Plant were alerted just before 11:30 pm that the sulfuric acid leaks at the plant were "under control," according to a fax from Iberville Parish emergency authorities.

Residents had been asked to shelter in place after the leak was discovered. A second leak occurred not long after the first, authorities said.

Chief Kevin Ambeau of St. Gabriel Police said he could see a cloud of gas after the release from Honeywell. He advised everyone to shelter in place in the St. Gabriel and Carville areas.

First responders reported burning eyes due to the gas.

A statement from Honeywell spokesperson Peter Dalpe read as follows:

“Honeywell's Geismar facility experienced a leak of sulfuric acid this evening. The facility's emergency response team is working to mitigate and stop the leak. The plant has instructed employees of the site and two neighboring sites to shelter in place as a precaution. The facility also notified state police of the incident as per plant procedure.”

The plant is located at 5525 Highway 3115 in Geismar.