PLAQUEMINE – Entergy said Monday it is investigating if a trip on an off-campus line in the area of Dow Chemical contributed to a loss of power at the plant Friday which caused a chlorine leak.

Entergy released a statement when contacted by WBRZ. Monday, elected officials told WBRZ they hope to meet with plant managers soon to discuss what some people believed was an unorganized notification of the leak.

Dow experienced a loss of power at its facility on La. 1 shortly after 3 p.m. Friday. The power loss caused a chlorine leak. The leak forced the plant to evacuate and mandated a shelter in place for people who live and work in the area around the plant.  People were told to stay indoors and emergency crews closed La. 1 for about three hours Friday evening. 

While Dow generates its own power, Entergy said in a statement it was trying to determine if a line nearby was involved.

“There is evidence of a sugar cane burn under a transmission line that may have caused the line to trip earlier that afternoon,” Entergy said. “An investigation is underway with all parties involved and at this time, no further details are available.”

WBRZ.com was first to report news of the chlorine leak Friday. Check this story later for an update about what elected officials said concerning the situation. Watch for more on TV starting on WBRZ News 2 at 4:00 Monday.

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