A release of ammonia gas at a meatpacking plant on the West Side led to the deaths of hundreds of fish in San Pedro Creek and the San Antonio River’s Mission Reach.
Late Monday night at Kiolbassa Smoked Meats’ plant at 1325 S. Brazos St., ammonia gas began escaping from an industrial refrigeration system, according to Kiolbassa and San Antonio Fire Department spokespersons. Firefighters received the call at 11:40 p.m.
Ammonia is a commonly used industrial refrigerant. Industrial plant operators often prefer it to alternatives because of its low cost and its benign effect on the Earth’s atmosphere if released. However, the gas is highly corrosive and can injure or kill people who inhale it.
“It’s a very hazardous gas,” Kiolbassa spokeswoman Laura Waldrum said. “In our haste to save lives of people inside the plant, it does appear that we had some impact on the environment.”