Source: Chris Scott, MEATINGPLACE, 8/16/11

An early-morning ammonia leak at a Pilgrim’s Pride plant in Union County, N.C., prompted the evacuations of about 100 people from the plant along with those in nearby businesses and residences in a 1.5-mile radius around the facility.

The leak of anhydrous ammonia at the chicken processing plant was discovered just before 5 a.m. EDT. No injuries were reported, but the leak sent ammonia into a creek behind the plant and caused the evacuation of residents with homes along the creek. Fire fighters and a hazardous materials team completed their work dealing with the ammonia leak and subsequent spill at about 10:15 a.m. EDT, according to the Union County Sheriff.

The sheriff’s department added that structural damage caused by what was described as “some sort of explosion” was limited to the plant and that the facility now is stable. Officials anticipate launching an investigation into the cause of the incident as soon as the interior of the plant can be safely inspected.
Pilgrim’s Pride spokesman Gary Rhodes told Meatingplace that ammonia has been shut off to the plant, which employs about 550 workers and remains closed today.
 

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