Fargo, N.D. — Investigators are puzzled how a forklift operator accidentally struck and ruptured an overhead ammonia pipe at Food Services of America Feb. 10, resulting in the release of a small amount of vapor and emptying the work area for the rest of the day shift. There were no injuries to employees or firefighters, but Acting Assistant Chief Bob Cuchna told Green Markets there’s been some discussion regarding how the ammonia pipe got hit in the first place. “The pipe was located overhead and above some other pipeline that was actually supposed to protect it,” Cuchna explained. “Rough estimates were that approximately 10 pounds were released, but that is enough to fill up the building and make it unbearable.” He said workers onsite responded quickly and shut off the leak, but that it took some time to air out the work area. During that time another warehouse nearby was advised to shelter its workers in place, and a throughway into the business park was closed off.
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