Authorities were called out early this (Tuesday) morning to Tyson Pork in Storm Lake for a reported ammonia leak inside the plant. At Approximately 3:09 a.m., the Storm Lake Fire and Police Departments were dispatched to address a large spill on the cutting-room floor. Nearly 230 employees were safely evacuated from the building. Firefighters were informed that the ammonia control valve had been shut off by Tyson maintenance staff, but there remained a large amount of residual vapor. While fire and police units were strategically placed around the facility to control access and to monitor for excessive ammonia escaping in concentrated form, the Tyson Hazardous Materials Team donned protective gear and entered the plant to ensure all other valves were secured. They remained to monitor gas concentrations until conditions were safe for employees to re-enter. An investigation found that a fan on a refrigeration unit had broken and struck a condenser coil, causing the leak. No injuries were reported and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was notified. Authorities were on scene for approximately three hours and were assisted by Buena Vista County Paramedics.
