May 30--BOYCEVILLE -- A man was taken to a hospital after an ammonia leak at the Boyceville ethanol plant Thursday afternoon.
Emergency crews from multiple communities responded to the ammonia leak at 3:30 p.m. at Big River Resources, N10185 370th St., in the town of Hay River.
A pressure relief valve on an ammonia storage tank opened for an undetermined reason, said Menomonie Fire Department Lt. Andy Benrud.
Boyceville Fire Chief Brian Marlette could not be reached for comment.
Boyceville Community Ambulance Service transported the unidentified male to a local hospital. EMS Chief Matt Feeney said his understanding is the man inhaled the gas during the leak.
Boyceville and Menomonie EMS crews had to be decontaminated at the hospital, he said.
The incident occurred in a building leased by Air Products of Monroe, La., Benrud said.
Air Products produces liquid CO2 at the plant. Both plants were evacuated at the property.
The escaped gas all dissipated and the leak was stopped, Benrud said, adding it is unknown how many gallons of ammonia were released.
The scene was cleared as of 5:30 p.m., he said.
Copyright 2014 - The Leader-Telegram, Eau Claire, Wis.
