January 11, 2002 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2002-02) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org AMMONIA THEFT CAUSES LEAK IN PRICHARD At approximately 8:48 a.m. Friday, January 11, 2002 Mobile Fire-Rescue Department received a request from Prichard Fire and Police Departments to assist with a hazardous material incident located off Shelton Beach Road in the Eight Mile area of Prichard, Alabama. Apparently someone attempted to steal some Anhybrous Ammonia from a 1,000-gallon cylinder located at the Delta Steel Company causing a leak. Prichard Police and Fire had already evacuated a two block area around the company as precaution prior to the arrival of Mobile Fire-Rescue Hazardous Material Response Team. A Manager at the business told officials that the tank only had approximately 300 gallons or less prior to the leak. Haz Mat Technicians donned protective equipment and made entry into the plant and attempted to tighten the value on the tank at which time the value blew off the tank releasing the remaining liquid from the cylinder. Once Ammonia makes contact with air it turns into a vapor. The scene was secured at approximately 10:30 a.m. and residents were allowed to go back into their homes at approximately 11:30 a.m. No injuries were reported in the incident. Engine 15, 18, truck 10, Haz Mat 15, rescue 18 and District 3 Chief John Young responded to the incident. ###