Chemical spill and cloud at Cargill north of Wahpeton, N.D. (photo courtesy Sheriff Gary Ruhl)
WAHPETON, N.D. (KFGO) – Multiple crews worked throughout the day Monday to contain an acid spill at the Cargill Plant north of Wahpeton. Richland County Emergency Manager Brett Lambrecht says the call came in around 5:45 a.m.
Lambrecht said the leak of 2,000 gallons of hydrochloric acid was in one of the tanks inside the plant. Two farmsteads were evacuated and a larger shelter-in-place advisory was issued. No injuries have been reported.
Sheriff Gary Ruhl said a hazardous materials team from the Fargo Fire Department was able to stop the leak late Monday afternoon.
Lambrecht said the clearing of the spill was stopped at midday due to weather conditions, but the work resumed. No injuries were reported.
Hydrochloric acid can cause severe burns, irritation, and damage to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system
In a statement, Cargill said “The facility has been temporarily shut down until we can ensure it is safe for employees to return to work. We expect this will have no impact on our ability to deliver food to our customers.”
Dwight Fire, Wahpeton Police and Fire, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office and the hazmat team from Fargo were among the agencies responding.
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