Paw Paw, Mich.-A minor anhydrous ammonia release caused by a faulty valve in the chilling system shut down St. Julian’s Winery here Friday, Sept. 24, for a few hours during one of the busiest times of the year, and sent 11 employees to the hospital for treatment. According to St. Julian Controller Doug Singleton, the release amounted to only seven pounds, even though the local press reported as much as 100 pounds. “As soon as it was identified, approximately 20 employees were evacuated (along with) two businesses located across the street,” Singleton reported. “Our president, Dave Braganini, asked everyone at work if they had been exposed and if they said yes asked them to go to the hospital to be checked. Ten were treated and released, and one was kept longer for additional treatment but was back to work Monday.” Singleton said all that remained was checking the products for contamination, venting the building by opening all doors, and calling in the contractor to check out the cooling system.
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