Caledonia Firefighters Contain Chemical Spill

Caledonia and SouthShore Firefighters responded to a hazardous material call Sunday after 800 gallons of anhydrous ammonia leaked into the air at 12:03 p.m.

While applying fertilizer in a field in the 4300 block of County Hwy H, a farmer was pulling a tank behind a tractor when a coupling released and struck a supply line on the tank.  The chemical billowed into the air causing a white toxic vapor cloud, according to a report by the Caledonia Fire Department.

Jeff Henningfeld, battalion chief with the Caledonia Fire Department, said no one was injured and no one was evacuated. Firefighters were able to “knock down” the toxic vapor cloud by spraying it with water.

While the leak was being contained, train traffic was halted and Highway H was closed. Crews remained until 1:38 p.m. until the tank was allowed to vent.

Anhydrous ammonia is a fertilizer and one of the key components of the chemical is nitrogen.

“If you’ve ever used ammonia in your house, this is much stronger and concentrated,” Henninfeld said. “Anhydrous means the chemical is water seeking and can quickly attach to mucous membranes and get into your lungs, causing severe burns.”

Henningfeld said, the area where the leak occurred would likely not see any growth and the leak cost the farmer several thousand dollars.