An orange cloud over the U. S. Nitrogen plant in Mosheim caught the eye of several of our listeners this morning.
A text message shared with WGRV read that U. S. Nitrogen sent an alert just after 7:00 AM of an unsuccessful startup at the plant that resulted in the release of NOX, or nitrogen oxide gas, which resulted in the orange colored cloud. The alert said that the gas was dissapating into the atmosphere and was leaving the site. The text said there was no danger to the public.
Just before 9:00 AM, another alert was sent that said there had been a second failed startup and more gas had been released into the atmosphere.
U. S. Nitrogen provided the following statement:
“US Nitrogen experienced a malfunction during a routine startup of our nitric acid plant. The nitric acid plant’s exhaust stack was noted to have a more prominent emission than typical. The plant was immediately shutdown and secured. All local and government authorities were promptly notified of the situation. US Nitrogen is currently investigating the root cause of the malfunction. At this time we can confirm that there has been no harm to human health or the environment.”
U. S. Nitrogen did not need any local emergency response. Residents in the area told Radio Greeneville news that the warning siren at the plant was not activated. A representative told Radio Greeneville News that “the event had no potential for harm to human health or the environment” which did not necessitate the need to activate the warning siren.
