Location of the Ammonia leak in Saline County-google map
SALINE COUNTY-The ammonia leak in Salina has stabilized and it no longer poses a threat to citizens that live in the area and business operations in that area, according to a late afternoon media release from Saline County Emergency Management. Most residents were allowed to return to their homes.
No injuries were reported.
Cause of the leak is still under investigation.
SALINA, Kan. (AP) — Investigators are looking for the cause of an anhydrous ammonia leak at the Schwan’s plant in Salina.
The leak was discovered at 2:20 a.m. Wednesday and contained about three hours later. Employees were evacuated from the facility. Two workers received medical treatment as a “precaution.”
Saline County officials say a voluntary evacuation was issued for people living west of the facility.
Schilling Elementary in Salina is closed because of the leak, but no other schools are affected.
Schwan spokesman Chuck Blomberg says ammonia is used in production at the plant as a refrigerant for frozen food. The plant primarily makes pizzas.
He says Schwan does not know yet the impact of the leak on plant operations.
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SALINE COUNTY -Emergency crews in Salina are dealing with a sizable ammonia leak at the Tony’s Pizza Factory.
Just after 2:30 a.m., crews were sent to the plant at Schilling and Centennial Road after report of the leak, according to Troy Long with the Salina Fire Department
Ammonia covered an area on the roof that measured 25′ x 25′ and was 6-inches thick in a frozen state. The ammonia is expected to convert to a gas form when the sun comes up later in the morning.
The Code Red emergency phone system was used to alert neighborhoods in the area of the leak and they were given the option of staying inside their homes or voluntary evacuation.
Some area residents did choose to leave.
Long stressed this is not an imminent danger situation, but plans for a shelter and transportation of people from the area was being prepared if needed.
The Salina Fire Department asked employees of Eldorado Bus and the Fed Ex drop off store not to report to work Wednesday.
The fire department is requesting USD 305 to keep Schilling Elementary School closed Wednesday.
Long said shutting down the leak is a slow process.
The Salina Fire Department has called one shift back for additional staff.
There have been no injuries.