Borger, Texas — An ammonia leak at Agrium Inc.’s urea facility in Borger, Texas, prompted an evacuation of the plant on May 28, and caused 16 KBR contract workers at the site to be transported to area hospitals. Agrium told Green Markets on May 29 that only two of the injured were hospitalized overnight and are now doing well, while all others received treatment and were released on May 28. Agrium said the leak occurred in the afternoon and was believed to be caused by a “slight glass failure on an ammonia pump,” with just over 80 pounds of ammonia released before the leak was contained. Local news reports said roads around the area were closed and emergency crews from nearby cities were called in to assist, but no evacuation was ordered for the surrounding community. “Fortunately, this release had no offsite impact to our neighbors,” said Agrium’s Richard Downey. Agrium said the urea facility was expected to be back online within a day or so, while the ammonia facility at Borger continues to operate normally.
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