Feds, State Probe New Ethylene Oxide Leak at Croda's New Castle Plant

Federal and state authorities launched probes into a chemical leak at Croda Inc.'s Atlas Point facility in New Castle on April 14, 2026, when an unknown quantity of ethylene oxide — estimated by the company at less than 10 pounds — escaped due to a leaking valve gasket. The plant, located near the base of the Delaware Memorial Bridge, produces the highly carcinogenic, flammable gas used in surfactants. Delaware's Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control confirmed its investigation, while the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened a separate inquiry.

Croda spokesperson Mark LaBrozzi stated that subsequent air monitoring detected no ethylene oxide beyond the facility boundaries, posing no risk to the surrounding New Castle community. Residents can call the Atlas Point community line at 302-429-5474 for updates. This marks the latest in a series of leaks at the site, including a major November 25, 2018, incident where 2,688 pounds of the chemical escaped from a failed flange gasket, hospitalizing one worker and affecting five others.

The 2018 leak shut down the Delaware Memorial Bridge for six and a half hours — its longest closure ever — stranding holiday travelers and forcing nearby residents to shelter in place amid delayed notifications. It drew OSHA citations for 25 serious violations and over $260,000 in proposed penalties, plus a $246,000 DNREC fine and a $300,000 penalty for later emissions issues. The biobased ethylene oxide plant, a $170 million facility unique in the U.S., halted operations until compliance fixes in 2021.

Public safety concerns persist in the Holloway Terrace area, where past releases have fueled calls for better air monitoring and emergency alerts. DNREC and federal scrutiny of the April leak underscores ongoing vigilance at this critical industrial hub straddling Delaware and New Jersey commuters.