Hazmat crew helping to neutralize a dangerous ammonia leak at the Kubuli factory in Loubiere

​An operation is taking place today Friday to neutralize and dispose of a dangerous chemical from the Kubuli factory, located at Snug Corner in Fond Baron, Loubiere. There is presently a leak of the dangerous refrigerant, ammonia at the plant, although the chemical itself has been reported "contained".
 
People living close to the factory have been advised to vacate the area, and motorists travelling in the area are also being asked to follow instructions by the police. People are also asked not to use the river which flows down into Loubiere.
 
The operation began at 9:00 am Friday and includes a number of stakeholders including a hazmat crew from overseas. According to plant manager, Albert Porter, the factory was affected by Hurricane Maria and the dangerous chemical refrigerant, ammonia is still at the plant. Senior Environmental Health Officer Sylvester St Ville said the operation is to neutralize and dispose of the ammonia.
 
He said the river which travels through Loubiere will be affected during the operation and said there are concerns about aquatic life; therefore, standards have been given for the disposal including the PH and the temperature of the solution that is being released into the river.
 
St. Ville said he hopes the operation takes place in a safe way, and that there will be no adverse health conditions. Ammonia is a very corrosive substance which can affect the lungs if inhaled in very high concentrations.