Wahpeton, N.D. – Hazardous materials teams have been cleaning up a chemical spill in Wahpeton.
A spokesperson for Richland County Emergency Management says a leak took place at the Cargill grain elevator at 18049 County Road 8 near Wahpeton.
In a statement, Cargill referred to the situation as a ‘small hydrochloric acid leak’ and said there is ‘no current threat to public health.”
The food manufacturer says the plant and surrounding area was evacuated ‘out of an abundance of caution.”
“The facility has been temporarily shut down until we can ensure it is safe for employees to return to work,” the statement read in part.
The leak was first reported at 4:30 Monday morning.
An area to the north and west of that facility for a mile has been blocked off for now and there are no injuries.
Flag Family News asked Cargill what hydrochloric acid is used for at the elevator, but we haven’t heard back. The chemical is commonly used in agriculture to make liquid fertilizer, treat irrigation water and clean equipment.
Hazmat teams from Fargo and Wahpeton Fire Departments have responded.
Flag Family News will provide more updates as they become available.
