U.S. Nitrogen LLC reported a nitric acid release Wednesday evening, April 19 at its plant in Mosheim, Tenn.
“Around 6:30 p.m., U.S. Nitrogen experienced a release of nitric acid vapors,” according to a statement by the company. “The release is dissipating, and no workers were injured.”
“As part of standard operating procedure, U.S. Nitrogen notified 911, the Greeneville/Greene County Office of Emergency Management and the Greeneville Fire Department. The Office of Emergency Management is notifying nearby residents of the release as part of its protocol.”
“For the safety of our workers and the community, U.S. Nitrogen will cooperate with these agencies and will investigate the cause of the release to ensure that the issues are resolved.”
By 9:15 a.m., local authorities reported that the leak had been contained.
Until recently, USN had idled its nitric acid production citing a force majeure situation. However, in recent weeks it has increased its intake of water from the Nolichucky River and resumed production. A similar release occurred in August 2016.