Alberta’s Ministry of Environment and Parks reported Oct. 10 that Agrium Inc., Calgary, a predecessor of today’s Nutrien Ltd., Saskatoon, has pleaded guilty to one count of failing to report an ammonia release from its Carseland Nitrogen Operations southeast of Calgary.
The incident, which occurred on Jan. 30, 2017, was not reported to the Ministry until Feb. 27, 2017. Agrium was penalized C$28,750, including a victim fine surcharge, for this contravention under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. In an agreed statement of facts, the Ministry said Agrium admits that anhydrous ammonia was released at its Carseland facility after a pressure release valve was inadvertently jarred to an open position.