Ammonia leak reported at paper mill

PORT ANGELES — An ammonia leak from a tank at McKinley Paper mill was isolated in a containment area and did not drain into water or the environment, said Capt. Kelly Ziegler of the Port Angeles Fire Department.

Firefighters were called out to the leak from a 16,000 gallon tank filled with a 15 percent concentration of aqueous ammonia at the mill at 1850 W. Marine Drive at 7:42 p.m. Thursday, Ziegler said in a press release.

Crews isolated the area and controlled traffic on Marine Drive. Ziegler said. Mill safety personnel used monitoring equipment to establish an isolation zone and confirmed the spill was not released from a containment area, he said.

No one was hurt.

The amount spilled as well as the cause of the spill remained undetermined as of Friday morning.

The fire department, along with mill personnel and under the direction of the state Department of Ecology, developed a mitigation plan, Ziegler said.

“The safety equipment in place at the mill prevented any threat to the public or the environment,” he said adding that although the amount of the spill was unknown at this time, “it was within the capabilities of McKinley Paper to remove safely.”

The fire department responded with one engine, two ambulances and one chief officer totaling 11 personnel.

Port Angeles Police Department responded with one officer for traffic control and Port Angeles Street department responded with one, also for traffic control.

More in News

Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News

Dale Wilson, past executive director of Olympic Comunity Action Programs, and Cherish Cronmiler, current executive director, cut the ceremonial ribbon officially opening the 43-unit low cost housing units.
7th Haven housing project celebrated

Port Townsend facility aims for first residents in May

Daytime Hood Canal Bridge closures coming in April

Intermittent delays for inspection

Neil Howe works Wednesday at the ReStore for Habitat for Humanity East Jefferson County in Port Townsend. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Habitat homes expand in Jefferson County

More than 10 units under construction now

Dawn Reid, right, shows Gov. Jay Inslee a pencil drawing of her daughter, Kimberly, after Inslee signed a bill titled with Kimberly’s name. State Rep. Debra Lekanoff, left, took part in the ceremony. (Gabe Galanda)
Governor signs Kimberly Bender’s Law

Legislation named for Quileute tribe member ratchets up penalty for custodial sex abuse

Port Townsend Farmers Market returns Saturday

Opening ceremonies to proceed rain or shine

Most Read