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Ammonia Worry Shuts Road Again

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By CHRIS ECHEGARAY, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 19, 2007

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RIVERVIEW - The ruptured ammonia pipeline that forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents and shut down a section of U.S. 301 was leaking again on Sunday night, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said.

Crews were at the scene at U.S. 301 and Riverview Drive after residents called complaining about an ammonia and gas smell. A valve was leaking, authorities said.

U.S. 301 was shut down for an hour from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The previous ammonia leak occurred Nov. 12 after a 16-year-old drilled into the pipe, releasing a cloud of ammonia over the Alafia River. It shut down U.S. 301 for several days. The teen told authorities he was looking for hidden loot. The boy, whose name was not released, suffered second-degree burns from his neck to his groin.

On Sunday night, there was no vapor cloud and no drop in pressure from the pipeline, Fire Rescue spokesman Capt. Bruce Delk said.

"The smell of ammonia is easily recognizable," Delk said. "People are nervous and rightly so. As a precaution, we shut down U.S. 301."

Tampa Pipeline Corp., which owns and maintains three pipelines that total about 80 miles, was at the scene. The company has pledged to reimburse the affected residents and emergency responders for overtime costs.

Delk said they repacked the valve, calling it a routine maintenance of the pipeline.

"Everything is back to ordinary," he said.

Reporter Chris Echegaray can be reached at (813) 259-7920 or cechegaray@tampatrib.com.

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