Anhydrous ammonia leak, Fisherman's terminal, Seattle

On August 31 at approximately 1445 NOAA SSC was notified of a anhydrous ammonia leak aboard the fish processing vessel PACIFIC PRODUCER located at Fishermen's terminal in Seattle. The leak started on August 30 when an ammonia line was punctured that was thought to have been not charged. It was originally reported that approximately 500 lbs of the anhydrous ammonia leaked out August 30, however, on September 1 it was discovered that 6000 lbs (this was the full amount on board) of anhydrous ammonia was discharged from the tanks. Approximately 50 lbs of this entered the space it was released in, while the rest drained into the bilge and slowly off gassed. Readings of ammonia in the air were high within the vessel, but were at safe levels outside of the vessel. On scene contractors are following safety precautions. Origninally Sector Puget Sound had requested NOAA's assistance in evaluating response options in terms of atmospheric conditions and plume modeling. The bilge water (now pH12- pH13) will be pumped off the vessel in safe manner and disposed of.