Ammonia Leak Prompts HazMat Response at New Bedford Fish Plant

Workers in hazmat suits responded to a fish processing plant in New Bedford early Monday for a report of an ammonia leak.

At around 1 a.m. the New Bedford Fire Department was called to 15 Antonio Costa Ave., the location of Sea Watch International. The Department of Fire Services Hazmat District 1 team responded as well, according to scanner traffic.

Sometime after 2 a.m., the scene was upgraded to a Tier 2 Hazmat response with all crews at work. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

Ammonia, used in refrigeration, is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.  Ammonia in the air is also flammable at higher concentrations.  It can explode if released in an enclosed space with a source of ignition present.