Report: One dead after HAZMAT called Friday to Campbell industrial site
CAMPBELL - A police report states that one person was pronounced dead after a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) team was called to an incident at an industrial site in Campbell on Friday.
According to Campbell Police, the incident happened at Bass Environmental, located on Wilson Avenue. According to its website, Bass Environmental is a facility that treats and processes non-hazardous industrial wastewater.
A police report states that there was an "extremely strong smell of rotten eggs and chemicals" in the area.
According to the report, police found a man, identified as 61-year-old Shawn Bennear, foaming at the mouth. Police gave him two doses of naxolone, but that failed, according to police.
Bennear was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. At this time, it is unclear if this death was connected to the smell, but doctors told police that Bennear had multiple chemical burns around his face and hands.
Furthermore, the report states that another man had passed out and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Police later spoke with this man, who told officers he was pumping "cut sulfuric acid" into a tanker truck operated by Bennear. After not getting any kind of response, he went to the front of the truck to check the gauges, where he found Bennear unconscious.
At this point, the man told police he felt like he was going to pass out and fell to the ground. The man said the only thing he remembers from there is being woken up by his co-workers.
The man said the odor he smelled when he was near the truck is something he's never smelled before that day.
HAZMAT was called to test the air in the area. According to the report, HAZMAT crews found at least five parts per million of hydrogen sulfide gas, prompting an evacuation of the building.
21 News is working to learn more about the incident. We have contacted the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) regarding this matter, and we're waiting to hear back.
On Monday night, a statement was shared with 21 News from the Bass Environmental Director of Sustainability on the incident.
"Bass Environmental operates an industrial waste processing facility that reclaims water from waste streams, keeping wastewater out of injection wells and landfills. As with any operation of this kind, sulfur-based compounds normally produce rotten egg-type odors on site," as outlined in the statement.
The statement goes on to say that the Campbell Fire Department tested the air and confirmed that hydrogen sulfide levels "measured approximately half of the exposure limit established by OSHA" and that no other employees, including a nearby employee who performed CPR on Bennear, experienced adverse health effects.
Furthermore, the statement indicates that Bass Environmental employees complete 20 to 30 hours of safety training every year, covering hazardous materials handling, heavy equipment operation and emergency response protocols.
"OSHA has opened an investigation into this incident, and Bass Environmental will continue to cooperate fully. The safety of our employees, contractors and visitors is always top of mind for us, and we welcome any opportunity to demonstrate that commitment. Bass Environmental is also conducting its own internal review."
The statement also extends condolences to the family, friends and coworkers of Bennear.
