Steam Release Reported at Eastman Chemical Plant

No injuries reported as noise subsides throughout the evening

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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A steam release occurred at the Eastman Chemical Co. plant in Kingsport, Tennessee on Tuesday afternoon, which could be heard outside the facility. Eastman's corporate communications manager confirmed there were no injuries and the noise is expected to subside throughout the evening.

Why it matters

Eastman Chemical is a major employer and industrial presence in the Kingsport community, so any incident at the plant can raise concerns among local residents about potential safety or environmental issues.

The details

According to Eastman's corporate communications manager, there was a steam release at the company's Kingsport site on Tuesday afternoon that could be heard outside the plant. Eastman stated there were no injuries reported and the noise from the incident will continue to subside throughout the evening.

  • The steam release occurred on Tuesday afternoon.

The players

Eastman Chemical Co.

A major chemical manufacturing company with a large production facility located in Kingsport, Tennessee.

Tracy Kilgore Addington

The corporate communications manager for Eastman Chemical Co.

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What they’re saying

“There was a steam release this afternoon at the Kingsport site which could be heard outside the plant. There are no injuries and the noise will continue to subside throughout the evening.”

— Tracy Kilgore Addington, Corporate Communications Manager (Eastman Chemical Co.)

The takeaway

While any incident at a major industrial facility can raise concerns, Eastman's prompt communication and assurance that there were no injuries or ongoing issues should help allay fears in the Kingsport community about this steam release event.