Chemical spill contained at New Philadelphia facility; no injuries reported
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WTUZ) (Jan. 12, 2026) – A chemical leak at Veolia Water Technologies and Solutions in New Philadelphia prompted a multi-agency hazmat response Saturday afternoon, though no injuries were reported.
Fire crews were dispatched around 12:38 p.m. for what was initially reported as a structure fire at the company’s Reiser Avenue facility. Upon arrival, New Philadelphia Fire Captain Robert Snyder said responders quickly determined the emergency involved a leaking chemical tank—not a fire.
The leak originated from a 2,000‑gallon tank containing acid stored inside the building. While a significant amount had spilled onto the floor, Snyder said the facility’s internal containment system prevented the substance from spreading.
Because the material was corrosive, firefighters were unable to enter the building in standard protective gear and had to wait for hazmat suits and decontamination stations to be set up. “We had to have extra folks ready to go in case something would happen,” Snyder said.
Departments from Dover, Mineral City, Strasburg, Sugarcreek, Uhrichsville, and York assisted, along with Smith Ambulance, the county EMA, and the Tuscarawas County Hazmat Team.
Hazmat technicians were ultimately able to slow the leak, and company employees began cleanup efforts. Snyder said workers familiar with the chemical handled remediation inside the building and determined the spill did not pose a threat to air quality or the environment.
Crews remained on scene for nearly three hours. The company will investigate the cause of the leak.
