A Lambton County fertilizer producer has been fined over an ammonia discharge less than three years ago.
Terra International, a producer of urea and ammonia products in St. Clair Township, was fined $90,000 in Sarnia court for one count of violating the Environmental Protection Act in connection with an ammonia gas release that took place in August 2016. In addition, Terra must also pay a victim surcharge of $22,500. The ruling was made in mid-January.
The incident was first reported to authorities on August 11, 2016, though it is not clear exactly when the trouble began. According to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, the company reported an ammonia gas release to their Spills Action Centre. It was determined that over eight-and-a-half tonnes of liquid ammonia was released and contained, resulting in a release of 997 kg of ammonia gas into the air over a two-hour period.
Terra International, which is owned by CF Industries, conducted a root cause analysis. It uncovered a deficiency in an ammonia pump, which resulted in the failure of a vent pipe that contained liquid ammonia.
The gas release resulted in the closure of surrounding roads for about an hour, and a neighbouring company was evacuated for about two hours. There were two complaints filed about the odour, with one alleging irritation. A third report alleged irritation, difficulty breathing and nausea.
The company has 120 days to pay the fine.
