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ANHYDROUS AMMONIA THEFTS CAUSE POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
Release Date: 04/06/2000
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FOR RELEASE: THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2000
ANHYDROUS AMMONIA THEFTS CAUSE POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
EPA recently issued a chemical accident alert because a number of anhydrous ammonia thefts have resulted in chemical releases from agricultural product dealers and facilities with ammonia refrigeration systems. The accidents, causing leaks and spills, have occurred for a variety of reasons: valves were left open after anhydrous ammonia was siphoned off; locks were sawed or broken; anhydrous ammonia was transferred inappropriately into makeshift containers; plugs were removed from anhydrous ammonia lines at refrigeration facilities; or the wrong hose and/or fittings were attached to storage containers. Anhydrous ammonia is used as an agricultural fertilizer and industrial refrigerant. It is also used in the illegal production of methamphetamines. Illegal drug makers often steal anhydrous ammonia from areas where it is stored and used. Anhydrous ammonia can be harmful to people who come in contact with it or inhale airborne concentrations of the gas. When stolen the toxic gas can be unintentionally released, causing injuries to emergency responders, such as fire departments, police and hazardous material teams as well as the criminals themselves. EPA’s chemical alert provides tips to deter anhydrous ammonia theft, such as: educating employees about the theft problem, storing tanks in well-lit areas knowing what chemicals the organization has in stock and other helpful hints. For a copy of the alert visit EPA’s web page at www.epa.gov/ceppo or call the EPCRA Hotline at 1-800-424-9346 or 703-412-9810.
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