Ammonia leak at SE Calgary plant
Quick thinking employees averted a potential disaster as an ammonia tank at a local food processing plant developed a leak early Sunday morning. At 08:30 the Calgary Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials Team responded New Food Classics located in the 4200 block of 13A Street S.E. An employee called 911 after noticing a hissing sound and a strong odor inside the building. Only two employees were working at the time of the incident and both made it out to safety.
Steve Krieder, chief financial officer of the company, said a seal failed and began leaking. The equipment is regularly maintained and undergoes periodic inspections. There had been no indications prior to the leak that the equipment might be ready to malfunction.
“There’s ongoing service and the necessary testing and inspection. There’d been no issues with the system from a maintenance standpoint,” he said. “Any system that uses ammonia is pressurized so you’re generally on the lookouts for these things (leaks).”
Calgary Police closed off local access while fire crews investigated. High levels of ammonia were recorded immediately outside the building with minor traces found down wind from the incident.
New Food Classics processes beef, poultry, bison for food services industry
Firefighters outfitted in fully encapsulated hazmat suits and breathing apparatus entered inside to attempt to stop the leak. The supply tank was said to have a capacity of 10,000 litres of liquid ammonia. Once inside, extremely high levels were found in a confined room.
Crews made several attempts before confirming the leak wasisolated. Employees were also on scene to assist the fire department with locating the different shut-off locations. The team of police, fire and EMS spent approximately seven hours working together on scene to ensure the leak was stopped.
No injuries were reported.
Mr. Krieder said the plant is shut down today, but should be back in operation tomorrow. New Food Classics processes food such as beef, poultry and bison. The company receives the meat raw or frozen and transforms it into products, such as hamburgers, for the food services industry. While Mr. Kreider said the plant is relatively small and its meat coolers are not large.
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