Miscommunication led to Wal-Mart evacuation, authorities say

PORT ANGELES — Investigators say it was likely a miscommunication that led to the evacuation of Wal-Mart’s huge department store Tuesday evening when employees reported chemical odors coming from a drain inside the store.

Initial reports suggested an unidentified man was seen near the drain before the smell was discovered.

But after interviewing employees and witnesses, investigators from the Clallam County Sheriff’s Department learned that a store employee without managerial knowledge issued a work order for a plugged drain in the vicinity of the stench, Sgt. Dave Fontenot said Wednesday.

Videotapes of the area indicate nobody tampered with the drain, he said.

“There is no threat to public safety,” said Fontenot after the work order was confirmed and the scene was re-checked and cleared by Clallam County Fire District No. 2

“It seems to be just a miscommunication,” he said.

Early evening evacuation

Wal-Mart, on U.S. Highway 101 east of Port Angeles, evacuated staff and shoppers from the store about 7 p.m. Tuesday as a precaution after suspecting a chemical odor was emanating from the drain. The smell was noticed at about the same time the man was reportedly seen near the drain.

Some employees went home while others waited outside in the cold as a hazardous materials team investigated the store.

More in News

Port Angeles teachers’ union votes to honor paraeducators’ picket line on April 8

Members of the Port Angeles Education Association voted overwhelmingly… Continue reading

Funding needed for Port Townsend homeless shelter

Operation at Legion Hall to close April 30

Port of Port Angeles renews lease for Composite Recycling Technology Center

Agreement covers 26,000 square feet at airport business park

Fire district volunteers lauded

Clallam County Fire District No. 3 recently recognized seven members… Continue reading

Clallam to continue providing deputy to Forks

Contract includes wages, mileage and maintenance reimbursement

Maintenance closes section of Olympic Discovery Trail

A portion of the Olympic Discovery Trail is closed… Continue reading

Hanna Paoluccu of Alexander, N.Y., and Rosie Berg of Nevada City, Calif., members of the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group and working with the Jefferson County Noxious Weed Board, remove poisonous hemlock weed from along the Larry Scott Trail in Port Townsend on Monday. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Poison hemlock removal in Port Townsend

Hanna Paoluccu of Alexander, N.Y., and Rosie Berg of Nevada City, Calif.,… Continue reading

YMCA to build childcare facility

$1-2M still needed for $6.7M project

Port Townsend Police Department recognizes award recipients

The Port Townsend Police Department recognized officers, employees, volunteers… Continue reading

Port Angeles High School evacuated due to bomb threat

Nothing suspicious found, principal says

A tree that has grown out of its tree box and shattered a nearby curb and sidewalk in the 100 block of North Oak Street is among those targeted for removal and replacement in downtown Port Angeles. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Port Angeles tree and sidewalk replacement to begin Monday

The Port Angeles downtown tree and sidewalk replacement project… Continue reading

Grant for Forks treatment plant to be discussed

The Clallam County Opportunity Fund Advisory Board will discuss… Continue reading