The plant was closed after the leak was detected at 10.30am Thursday and reopened the next day.
‘A relief valve let go and ammonia leaked into the ventilation system’
Jane Lazgin, director, media and corporate communications, Nestlé Waters North America, told FoodProductionDaily confirmed the incident and said the safety of its employees was priority.
“The plant was immediately evacuated and the fire department was contacted,” she said.
“Two employees were evaluated at the scene by emergency personnel after complaining of headaches and were transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure. Both employees have been released from the hospital.
“The ammonia leak is no longer active. We are working closely with the Poland Fire Department and other authorities to determine the cause of the leak.
“The plant has been given the all-clear for employees to re-enter the facility.”
Central Maine Medical Center
Poland Fire chief Mark Bosse claimed the incident happened after ‘a relief valve let go and ammonia leaked into the ventilation system’.
Fact Box
Ammonia is an irritating and caustic substance.
A leakage is recognised by its typical acrid odour.
It can irritate eyes, mucosa, airways, lungs, and skin.
Its high concentration may cause swelling of lungs and asphyxia.
Ammonia, among others, is used in cooling chambers and in the food industry.
The two employees reported headaches and were taken to Central Maine Medical Center to be evaluated.
Fire crews from several communities were at the plant and special response teams were called in to try and find the source of the leak and shut it down. Late Thursday afternoon, the plant was given the all clear and employees were allowed back in the building.
Poland Spring is a brand of bottle water manufactured by a subsidiary of Nestlé and sold in the US.
“The plant was fully operating on Friday (August 7),” added Lazgin.
In a statement Poland Spring said all of its water currently in the marketplace was unaffected by the ammonia leak and is safe to drink.