Olin, Iowa-The release of up to 800 gallons of anhydrous ammonia during an apparent theft attempt late on Oct. 4 caused the evacuation of nearly the entire population of this small farming community of 400 to 500 residents for about five hours. “The weather conditions were just right to contain the cloud,” Tom Lieting, general manager of River Valley Co-op, told Green Markets. Lieting estimated that between 600 and 800 gallons of ammonia were released during what appeared to be an aborted attempt by methamphetamine thieves. He said there have been no reports of injuries. The town was emptied while emergency responders, assisted by a team trained by operations management, dealt with the problem. A local hazmat team entered the area in protective gear to shut down the tank. The leak, which was reported around 9:45 p.m., triggered the evacuation order by emergency management officials and the sheriff’s office. A shelter for those who were affected was set up in nearby Morley. Homes on the southwest side of the town were evacuated first, and no one was allowed into town. The Iowa Department of Transportation closed Highway 38 coming into Olin until approximately 3 a.m.
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