Dual Ammonia Releases at Poultry Processing Plant
Milford, Delaware
Facility Description
The incidents occurred at the Perdue Farms poultry processing facility located at 255 N. Rehoboth Blvd. in Milford, Delaware. Commercial poultry processing operations rely on mechanical refrigeration loops to chill and freeze meat products during automated processing and packaging phases. These closed-loop systems utilize anhydrous ammonia as the primary refrigerant chemical.
Incident Summary
The facility recorded two distinct chemical releases within a four day timeframe in June 2026:
First Incident (June 9, 2026): Approximately 6 pounds of anhydrous ammonia vapor entered the building environment. Corporate representatives stated the leak was caused by a refrigeration valve failure. Plant personnel isolated the source, and emergency responders reported zero injuries.
Second Incident (June 13, 2026): At 1:02 a.m., an estimated 68 pounds of gaseous anhydrous ammonia escaped into the atmosphere outside on the roof area. The release lasted at least 17 minutes before mitigation. Due to chemical exposure, nine plant workers were transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. All nine individuals were released the same day. Maintenance workers replaced a failed seal on an air exchanger to stop the leak.
Speculation on Causes
The occurrence of two separate mechanical failures on the same utility network within a brief timeframe suggests several possible mechanical or operational factors:
Vibration and Mechanical Fatigue: Mechanical vibrations from compressors can propagate through refrigeration piping networks. Over extended operation, these stresses can compromise mechanical components, leading to the refrigeration valve malfunction observed on June 9 and the air exchanger gasket breakdown on June 13.
Hydraulic Shock: Rapid changes in operational load or incorrect valve timing can generate liquid slugs or hot gas surges within the lines. The resulting pressure spikes can deform flange alignments or crack elastomeric gaskets.
Maintenance Intrusiveness or Material Alteration: The second leak involved a failed gasket seal on a roof air exchanger following repairs to the system earlier in the week. Alterations in line pressures during component isolation, or the installation of seals with incorrect chemical compatibility ratings for ammonia, can result in premature component failure.
Top Information Sources
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC): Hazardous substance release database notifications and regulatory monitoring logs.
WATTPoultry News: Media reports detailing processing plant operational updates and corporate communications regarding the Milford site.
CoastTV News / WBOC News: On-scene reports and statements from regional emergency management agencies regarding worker transport and local air monitoring.