Aurora, N.C.-All 17 individuals taken to area hospitals for observation after an anhydrous ammonia release Friday, Oct. 9, at PCS Phosphate were back on the job the following Monday, according to PotashCorp officials in Saskatoon, Sask. Spokesman Bill Johnson told Green Markets that all but two were released that night and those two were released on Saturday; everyone was okay and back at work on Monday. He said the release occurred at 2 p.m. at the rail loading station during the unloading of a railcar, but provided no information about what actually occurred or how much ammonia was released. Calls to the Aurora police department and rescue squad were not returned. The company did send out an email at about 4:30 p.m. Friday saying the “leak has been stopped.” The local press reported that 10 of those transported to a hospital were PCS Phosphate employees, and that the seven others worked for a contractor. Meanwhile, North Carolina occupational safety and health officials confirmed they have launched an investigation into the PCS ammonia leak. A state spokesman told Green Markets that it initiates an investigation any time there is a fatality in a workplace or if four or more workers are hospitalized.
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