MIDLAND, MI - The Dow Chemical Co. (Dow) has declared force majeure for phenol in the Americas due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control. The phenol manufacturing asset located within the Oyster Creek, TX, facility was down for a scheduled two-week maintenance turnaround when a broken heat exchanger was discovered. This heat exchanger falls under Texas state regulations as a steam generator and is regulated as such. As a result, the shutdown will continue in order to make the unplanned repairs, which must be in compliance with state regulations. Dow is working to return to normal supply levels as soon as the plant is repaired and normal operating rates resume. The situation is expected to be resolved by mid-April 2010.