Hokko Chemical Industry Reports Benzene Leak at Okayama Plant

TOKYO, Jul 30 (Pulse News Wire) – Hokko Chemical Industry CO.,LTD. (4992.T) disclosed that benzene-containing wastewater leaked from its Okayama plant near the Yoshiumi Coast on July 14 around 4:15 PM.

The leak was confirmed on July 17 around 10 PM. The affected area remains restricted to non-related personnel since late July 17. The company established a task force to address the issue based on guidance from local authorities.

It has halted operations at the involved facilities and implemented measures to prevent further leaks, including pumping groundwater and sealing off discharge points. Water quality tests showed benzene levels ranging from 1.5 to 4.6 mg/L, exceeding legal standards of 0.1 mg/L. Production resumed at the impacted plants once preventive measures were verified, while other factories continued production after confirming no underground leakage.

The company stated it would promptly update stakeholders on any impact on consolidated earnings.