Investigation into leakage of ammonia at Tipperary plant

UP TO 2,000 litres of ammonia gas was leaked into the atmosphere early yesterday at a meat processing plant in Nenagh, Co Tipperary.

An investigation into the discharge has been launched after emergency services were called to the scene of the incident at the town’s AIBP plant at about 4am.

There were no reports of any injuries or damage to the plant or its surrounds, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The plant is used for the slaughtering and processing of farm animals. “We don’t believe there’s any danger to residents,” said an EPA spokesperson.

According to the EPA, the ammonia gas was released into the atmosphere from a refrigeration system at the AIBP operation, which has been licensed since December 1998.

Both gardaí and fire services attended the site yesterday morning after the incident, which occurred in an isolated part of the plant. The valves in the affected area were shut down by staff while production was also suspended.

“It is believed that there has been no significant impact off site,” said the EPA spokesperson yesterday.

Emergency services left the scene at about 8.45am and production in the plant is expected to recommence within days. The EPA is liaising with environmental personnel on the site in relation to this incident.

A detailed report on the incident, along with recommendations for corrective measures, is expected in the next few days.

“The priority for the EPA is to ensure that the incident has been dealt with as effectively and efficiently as possible to limit any environmental impact,” said the spokesperson.