At approximately 2:45 p.m. hours (CDT) on March 19, 2021, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) contacted the EPA Region 7 Spill Line requesting assistance with an estimated 1,000-gallon anhydrous ammonia nurse tank discovered by the Missouri State Highway Patrol floating in the Missouri River just northwest of Jefferson City, Missouri, at the mouth of Cedar Creek. MDNR has not been able to determine tank ownership and it is currently unknown how full the tank remains. No leaking has been reported and the tank appears undamaged.
The Jefferson City Fire Department was able to secure and tie up the tank overnight along the south side of the river. MDNR sent the location of the tank and a formal Request for Federal Assistance to EPA the evening of March 19.
EPA deployed two OSCs the morning of March 20 to assess the tank and assist with tank retrieval. EPA may assist with tank disposal if remaining contents are confirmed to be hazardous and the owner cannot be identified.
EPA arrived at the site and coordinated the removal, security and storage of the tank with assistance from MDNR, MHP, Jefferson City Police & Fire, Missouri Farmers Association (MFA), and Kendall & Pro Towing Services. MFA agreed to store the tank at their location in Jefferson City. MDNR and MFA are working together to attempt to find the tank owner/operator.
No further EPA response actions are planned.
