OXNARD : 100 Evacuated After 500-Gallon Ammonia Leak
Nearly 500 gallons of ammonia was spilled at an Oxnard company Monday morning, causing the evacuation of about 100 people, authorities said.
No one was hurt by the spill, which occurred about 7:45 a.m. at Boscovich Farms at 711 Diaz Ave. The company freezes fruits and vegetables and uses large amounts of ammonia in the refrigeration process, authorities said.
An employee who was draining oil from a 500-gallon ammonia tank inhaled a big dose of fumes from ammonia leaking from the tank and left without closing the valve, said Oxnard Fire Battalion Chief Terry McAnally
Almost all of the ammonia leaked out and formed a large cloud that prompted many nearby businesses to call authorities.
Police closed off about half a dozen streets while firefighters evacuated about 100 employees at Boscovich Farms and nearby businesses.
Ammonia is a hazardous, flammable material that attacks mucous membranes and sinuses, McAnally said. Firefighters simply allowed the spill to evaporate, McAnally said.
When they left after three hours at the site, all of the ammonia had evaporated, and employees were allowed to go back to work, he said.
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