CF Industries Ammonia Release; Donaldsonville, LA

Donaldsonville, LA | 2012-May-31

Initial Notification: At 1545CDT CG MSU Baton Rouge contacted the NOAA SSC to request air plume modeling and other scientific support for a 2400lb./hr anhydrous ammonia release at the CF Industies facility in Donaldsonville, LA (on the Miss R. between New Orleans and Baton Rouge). A tornado was reported to have caused an unknown amount of damage to the facility and extinguished 3 flares (which burn off escaping vapors), each releasing 800lb/hr for a total release rate of 2400lb/hr. Releases started at 1417CDT. One flare was re-ignited at 1526CDT, but the other 2 remain releasing vapor for a total of 1600lb/hr. The immediate isolation distance is 60metres and responders should consider evacuating the general population out to 0.6km (650yds).