Anaheim, Calif.-An anhydrous ammonia leak occurring at 10:30 p.m. May 8 from a 2,500 pound refrigeration tank at Nor-Cal Beverage Co. sent at least 18 people to the hospital and caused the evacuation of 40 to 50 homes at Nor-Cal Beverage Co., according to fire department officials. Anaheim department spokeswoman Maria Sabol told Green Markets the leak is believed to have occurred in a roof valve, one of five that responders had to deal with. Seven of those treated for either sore throats, eye irritation, or tightness of the chest were first responders who checked themselves in at the hospital. No one was admitted. Sabol said an intensive investigation is underway by hazard materials specialists and company officials, and the affected building has been closed for the time being. “If we had had more of a wind it would have dispersed faster,” Sabol reported. “As it turned out we had the leak stopped by 1:18 a.m. and were able to lift the evacuation.” In all, 55 firefighters, six ground ambulances, two HazMat teams, and 20 Anaheim police officers responded. The highway patrol also was on the scene in case the freeway had to be closed. Two other ammonia leaks occurred during the week – at the Ed Miniat Inc. meat processing plant in South Holland, Ill., causing the evacuation of 100 to 150 people for a few hours from about 18 businesses and residences in a two block area; and in refrigeration equipment at a Shamrock Foods Co. distribution plant in Phoenix, Ariz., which resulted in a maintenance man going to the hospital and employees evacuating the building. Still another incident occurred May 8 in Lake Odessa, Mich., when a truck pulling an ammonia nurse tank was struck in an intersection by a semi-tractor trailer. The tank was empty, however, according to news reports.
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