Ammonia leak at Prosser processing plant repaired

An ammonia leak at a processing facility in Prosser prompted school officials to move Monday's classes at Keene-Riverview Elementary to Housel Middle School.

In a press release, Milne Fruit Products said that an ammonia leak was detected Sunday at 6:45 AM.

Staff immediately sealed the room in order to contain the gas.

As part of its emergency action plan... Milne contacted appropriate federal and state agencies, along with local fire, police and school officials to let them know about the leak.

Crews located the leak in one of the plant’s tank rooms and started repairs.

The issue was resolved by 8:00 PM Sunday night.

Company officials said there was no immediate release of ammonia into the atmosphere until company and fire officials were able to properly ventilate the storage facility.

“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,” Michael Sorenson, President and General Manager, said.  “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.”

No injuries were reported as a result of the leak.