Rentech Nitrogen Partners LP confirmed that a brief fire occurred in and was isolated to the ammonia synthesis loop of the ammonia plant at its East Dubuque, Ill., nitrogen fertilizer facility at approximately 9 a.m. CST Nov. 29. Rentech said it was extinguished by plant personnel and the Menominee-Dunleith Fire Department. Rentech said there were no injuries or chemical releases, nor was there any threat or hazard posed to the community.
Rentech said the plant was shut down in an orderly fashion in response to the fire. An investigation into the cause of the incident is underway. As of Nov. 29, Rentech said the facility is anticipated to be offline for several weeks while damages are assessed and repairs are completed. The facility is expected to resume shipments of product held in inventory within the next few days.
Major products at East Dubuque are UAN and anhydrous ammonia.