The Hastings Fertilizer Plant Leak on Monday released a large amount of anhydrous ammonia into the air, triggering an emergency alert in Adams County and forcing several nearby businesses to evacuate. Officials say the leak lasted for hours before crews brought it under control.
Adams County Emergency Manager Ron Pughes said the incident began shortly after 12 p.m. at MacroSource, located in the 4900 block of J Street. The leak occurred during repairs on a storage tank that holds anhydrous ammonia, a nitrogen fertilizer widely used by Nebraska farmers.
Why the Hastings Fertilizer Plant Leak Raised Concern
Anhydrous ammonia is a powerful nitrogen source, said Ron Seymour, cropping systems extension educator at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
“It’s nitrogen bonded with four hydrogen atoms, and it’s essential for crop production,” he said.
Farmers typically inject the gas into soil during spring or fall to prevent evaporation. They apply about one pound of nitrogen for every 56 pounds of corn.
However, leaks like the Hastings Fertilizer Plant Leak remain rare.
“I’ve been here 25 years, and we’ve never had a leak this large,” Seymour said. “Suppliers usually follow strict safety procedures to protect their staff and the community.”
Evacuations and Safety Measures After the Leak
Central Community College, about one mile away, reported a strong ammonia smell.
Even so, officials said conditions never reached evacuation thresholds. Staff monitored the situation until the odor faded.
Pughes said the plant’s location prevented a more dangerous outcome.
“If this happened closer to Hastings or inside one of our villages, it could have been far more serious,” he said. “If you get caught in an ammonia cloud, you’re in real danger.”
Company Statement and Investigation
MacroSource LLC issued a statement shortly after the emergency response began:
“An ammonia release occurred today at our Hastings, Nebraska facility at 4935 E J St. Our team immediately activated emergency procedures and notified local emergency services. The situation is contained and poses no health risk to the surrounding community.”
The company also said it follows strict environmental and safety standards and has launched a full investigation into the Hastings Fertilizer Plant Leak.
