Weekend Ammonia Leak Reported At Milne Fruit In Prosser

An ammonia leak was detected at the Milne Fruit Products plant in Prosser Sunday morning.  Company officials said the leak was detected shortly before 7 a.m., staff immediately sealed the room to contain the gas.  The leak was located in one of the plant’s tank rooms and the issue was fully resolved by 8 p.m. Sunday.  Company officials said there was no immediate release to the atmosphere until company and fire officials were able to properly ventilate the storage facility later in the day.

“Milne’s primary concern remains the public’s safety, the safety of any children in the area as well as the safety of our own employees,” said Michael Sorenson, President and General Manager.  “We immediately contacted federal and state agencies as well as local fire, police and school officials who later in the day wisely decided to move students from Keene-Riverview to Housel Middle School on Monday out of an abundance of caution.”

“It’s unfortunate that this impacted students and teachers but it was in the best interest of everyone concerned,” Sorenson said.  “Milne strives to operate the plant safely and to remain good stewards of our environment through our ongoing preventative maintenance, safety and sustainability programs.”

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