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May 6, 2008 8:26 am US/Pacific
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Thieves Blamed For Chemical Spill Into Bay
RICHMOND (AP) ―
Thieves breaking into a manufacturing plant are being blamed for a spill that sent 3,000 gallons of a chemical solvent into San Francisco Bay.
Authorities say after a break-in at Reaction Products in Richmond, the toxic solvent toluene (tah-LOO-ene) flowed into a storm drain, making its way to San Pablo Bay.
A shelter-in-place warning was briefly issued to 1,500 homes yesterday afternoon after the spill was reported.
The Coast Guard says though the chemical won't affect shipping lanes, an unknown amount of it seeped into the surrounding marsh.
Environmental scientists from the California Department of Fish and Game will monitor the potential impact on fish, wildlife, and vegetation in the area.
Investigators believe that thieves were trying to steal parts of a tank when they compromised it, causing the spill.
(© 2008 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)