REC Silicon scrubber damaged

MOSES LAKE - A metal chloride drier scrubber system at REC Silicon was damaged early Wednesday morning during an alleged explosion.

There were no injuries and the damage was limited to the scrubber system, according to Sharon Palmerton, head of community affairs at REC Silicon.

"The MCD Scrubber had been down for maintenance the day before and was being placed back into service when the event occurred," she stated.

Moses Lake Fire Department responded to the plant after receiving a report of the explosion at 3:22 a.m. 

After speaking with REC's in-house fire brigade, the fire trucks returned to the hall 20 minutes later, said Capt. Dick Penrose.

The small explosion was controlled by the company. No phone alert was apparently needed.

- Staff report