EPA
was notified (NRC #1329850) at approximately 1830 hours on February 27, 2022 of an Anhydrous
Ammonia release near El Dorado, AR from an underground pipeline, owned and
operated by Nustar Energy, the Potentially Responsible Party (PRP). The PRP received an
indication of loss of pressure on the pipeline and upon further investigation
determined there was a release of anhydrous ammonia into the ground and into a
nearby creek. Most of the release material evaporated into the air. The cause
of the release is currently unknown. The PRP shut down the pipeline and have
located the potential release point. Ten homes were evacuated between midnight and 2 am by the Union County
Sheriff’s Department. One homeowner relocated approximately 20 horses. Nustar mobilized to respond to the incident and secure the pipeline release. NuStar is conducting air monitoring at the pipeline repair location and in the surrounding vicinity.
Following the morning update of the voluntary evacuations, OSC Adam Adams and EPA START contractors were activated at 1100 on February 28, 2022 to respond.
