Ammonia Release on the Interstate
At 1415 on a Georgia interstate, your cargo tank carrying 3,000 gallons of UN1005, anhydrous ammonia, 2.3, begins leaking from a rear transfer valve. You pull onto the shoulder, set the parking brake, and shut down the engine. A visible white cloud is drifting toward a nearby maintenance yard. One worker complains of eye and throat irritation; 30 people are moved indoors for about two hours while the road is closed. The tank's emergency shutoff is not accessible from your side, and you are not trained in product transfer. Your shipping papers and ERG are in the cab. The leak is still releasing when first responders arrive. You have a cell phone and the company's 24-hour number. The temperature is 88 F and the wind is from the west at 8 mph.
1. What immediate actions and notifications are required?
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First protect people: call 911, keep yourself and others upwind and away from the vapor cloud, and do not attempt to stop the leak or transfer product because you are not trained for that task. Identify the material from the shipping papers and ERG for responders: anhydrous ammonia, UN1005, Division 2.3, inhalation hazard, with a CERCLA reportable quantity of 100 lb. This release is far above that RQ and has caused injury and evacuation, so the carrier must immediately notify the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802 and the company's 24-hour number. State and local environmental or emergency officials may also require notice. Give location, material, quantity, injuries, evacuation, and current leak status. Do not leave the scene unless directed by law enforcement or emergency command.
2. What follow-up reports are required after the immediate response?
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A written hazardous material incident report is required, normally on PHMSA Form 5800.1, within 30 days of the incident, in addition to the immediate telephone notice. The report should identify the date, time, location, carrier and vehicle, shipping description UN1005, anhydrous ammonia, 2.3, the amount released, the injuries and evacuation, the response, and corrective actions. Keep copies of the shipping papers, ERG, photos, and responder information. The immediate NRC call does not substitute for the written report, and a police accident report does not substitute for the PHMSA report. If the investigation later shows additional releases or changed facts, update the report as required.