March 22, 2009 — An 8,000-pound container of anhydrous ammonia spilled Saturday into the water and air at the container port at Krause Lagoon on St. Croix, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources reported late Sunday.
Ammonia is a hydrogen and nitrogen compound used for fertilizer, cleaning and in many industrial and pharmaceutical processes. "Anhydrous" means it is a pure version of the chemical, with no water. A clear, colorless gas with a very characteristic odor, ammonia is extremely irritating and corrosive, and the DPNR strongly advises the public to avoid fishing, swimming and boating in and around the V.I. Port Authority's Container Port and boat ramp areas until further notice. Coming into contact with this chemical can be extremely dangerous, thus the Department of Planning and Natural Resources urges the public to adhere to this advisory.
According to that report, the 8,000-pound container overturned while being off-loaded from a vessel docked at the port. The container's valve broke and released the chemical into the water and atmosphere.
The Container Port is operated by the V.I. Port Authority.
Responding agencies included DPNR, the V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency, the divisions of Environmental Enforcement, Coastal Zone Management and Environmental Protection, the V.I. Fire Department and V.I. National Guard HAZMAT Teams, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
DPNR will monitor the impacted area and update the community accordingly.
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