A container of sodium hydroxide spilled on La Senda Tuesday evening after it reportedly fell from a FedEx truck. LAFD responded to the scene along with the Department’s Haz Mat unit. Photo by Akkana Peck

The contents of the bucket were spread on the road and seem to have be sprayed with water. Photo by Akkana Peck

Los Alamos Fire Department and Police Department responded to a minor hazardous material incident Tuesday evening in White Rock. Photo by Akkana Peck

BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com

A bucket of Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), also known as caustic soda or lye, inadvertently dropped early on the roadway early Tuesday evening near 111 La Senda in White Rock, brought the Los Alamos Fire Department HAZMAT folks to the scene.

Sodium Hydroxide is a highly reactive alkali with various uses in industry and everyday life. As can be seen in the photos above, it is a white, crystalline solid. When dissolved in water, it releases heat. It is corrosive and can cause severe burns if it comes in contact with skin or eyes. 

The bucket of lye was reportedly supposed to be delivered to an address in Pajarito Acres. The FedEx driver may not even have noticed that he had lost a piece of his cargo.

The LAFD HAZMAT Team is trained and equipped to respond to and mitigate hazardous materials spills, releases, and incidents. In addition, Los Alamos National Lab hosts an annual event that brings together HAZMAT teams from various agencies around the country to practice and refine their skills in simulated emergency scenarios. 

The Los Alamos Fire Department HAZMAT truck in La Senda Tuesday evening. Photo by Akkana Peck