Media Advisory

Louisiana - October 14, 2005

Today Dow Louisiana Operations in Plaquemine is continuing to manage operational issues resulting from a power interruption that took place Wednesday evening. Among the incidents associated with this earlier power failure was a loud detonation that took place at approximately 12:35am Friday morning.

The incident occurred inside one furnace of the LHC-3 unit. Emergency Responders were dispatched to the scene, and all appropriate regulatory agencies were notified. The incident was contained within the perimeter of the operating unit, and there were no injuries or environmental emissions caused by the incident.

Dow is also continuing to use its flare as a safety device. Residents may see or hear the flaring as the site manages the situation to bring the plant back to normal operations. 

We regret any inconvenience to the community around us, and are doing everything possible to alleviate this situation. All appropriate regulatory agencies have been notified. We will continue to provide updates as necessary.

Dow is a leading science and technology company that provides innovative chemical, plastic and agricultural products and services to many essential consumer markets.  With annual sales of $27 billion, Dow serves customers in more than 170 countries and a wide range of markets that are vital to human progress, including food, transportation, health and medicine, personal and home care, and building and construction, among others.  Committed to the principles of Sustainable Development, Dow and its approximately 50,000 employees seek to balance economic, environmental and social responsibilities. For further information, visit Dow’s website at www.dow.com.

For Editorial Information:

Gary Cambre
The Dow Chemical Company
225-353-8265