Tesla Faces Fines Following Chemical Spill

Tesla is facing potential fines following a chemical spill at its Palo Alto facility where a nonhazardous mixture of borax, lye (sodium hydroxide), and green dye leaked into the city's drainage system on October 17. The spill, first reported by resident Mike Hedblom during an evening walk, resulted in over 550 gallons of the mixture being recovered by the Palo Alto Fire Department. While Tesla claimed only 12 gallons were released, the incident occurred during the draining of a coolant system for their Artificial Intelligence Supercomputer. City officials have stated that Tesla lacks the necessary permit to store sodium hydroxide, prompting an investigation into the incident. Despite the nonhazardous nature of the spill, testing continues to ensure there are no lingering effects on local waterways. Cleanup efforts are expected to extend into the following week as officials monitor the situation.