Victorville, Calif. — Release of a small amount of ammonia from a compressor triggered a full emergency response at the Dr. Pepper plant here early Tuesday, Oct. 16, and emptied the facility. About 100 employees assembled at a designated evacuation area where officials accounted for all the personnel; after a few hours they were able to return to the building. “There were no hazards to any of the Dr. Pepper people or any of the others working in the area,” reported Greg Coon, San Bernardino County fire department hazmat specialist. “The fire department made entry in fully encapsulated suits and shut down the anhydrous ammonia line going into the compressor. All we did was turn a valve to isolate the ammonia going into that compressor and stop the release.” Company officials brought in ammonia experts to repair the problem and workers returned to the building after a few hours, during which time three fire engines and three hazardous materials units were standing by.
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