Deputy Exposed to Chemical Cloud in Leak in Hawkeye

By Kristin Guess, The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier

Tools

By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Feb 1, 2012 at 3:37 PM CDT

Story Updated: Feb 1, 2012 at 7:27 PM CDT

HAWKEYE, Iowa - An Fayette County deputy has been taken to a hospital after being exposed to a chemical cloud from a leaking anhydrous ammonia tank.

Emergency crews responded to the scene after 9 a.m. Wednesday morning.

The tank belongs to the Fredericksburg Farmers CO-OP, 102 North Burrell St., in Hawkeye. Roads leading up to the CO-OP were closed, but are now reopening, according to Fayette County Chief Deputy James Davis.

Fayette County Emergency Management Coordinator Randy Frank said the valve has been shut off and crews are working on cleaning up the chemicals.

The Hawkeye Fire Department was called about 9 a.m. this morning. A hazardous materials crew from Fayette County was on the scene.

Anhydrous ammonia, a colorless non-flammable liquefied gas, causes a cloud to form when released, typically laying low to the ground. Its odor is similar to household ammonia.

The gas causes freezing and chemical burns similar to heat wherever skin and clothing are moist.

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.


read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Crime, sexual abuse, property fires, automobile accidents, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.

More Good Stuff

What's On KCRG