A release of approximately 100 lbs of anhydrous ammonia was reported to the NRC by employees of the Pilgrim's Pride poultry processing plant at approximately 0436 on 8/16/2011. An explosion was reported to the NRC at approximately 0500 by Pilgrim's Pride employees, no evacuation was reported at the time and no assistance was requested. At 0645 a call was received by 911 requesting fire department assistance in dissipating an ammonia cloud in the vicinity of the plant. Fire department responded an evacuated approximately 1.5 miles downwind of the facility, including 35 homes. Employees of Pilgrim's Pride and refrigeration contractors attempted to isolate damaged tanks and lines in the refrigeration system.  CSX was notified of the incident, who hired HEPACO to perform air monitoring at the railroad to the North of the facility.

EPA did not receive any notification aside from the initial NRC Report, which reported a release of 100 lbs of ammonia, until approximately 1700. EPA  received a call at approximately 1700 from local fire department reporting a potential release of greater than 20,000 lbs, EPA was also notified of the evacuation at this time. NC Outpost OSC Rhame notified phone duty, who placed follow up calls to local agencies and notified NCDENR. Phone duty collected information from local responding agencies. Fire department reported that no assistance was required at the time and that the incident was winding down based on information received from Pilgrim's Pride employees and contractors. Fire Department continued air monitoring at the evacuated residence and consistently observed 0 ppm of ammonia. Evacuated residences were allowed to return to their homes at approximately 1700. On 8/17/2011, OSC Rhame received a call at approximately 1030 from Mike Cooke with NC Emergency Management. Cooke indicated that the release was still not secured and that ammonia concentrations in the plant were rising, it was not known at the time when the release would be secured. Cooke also mentioned that a water line had ruptured and that a potential release had occurred to an unnamed tributary located to the east of the facility. OSC Rhame contacted local fire department who then requested EPA assistance. EPA mobilized START and EPA Mobil Command Post (MCP) with Area Raes and YSI water quality meters.

EPA arrived at fire department at approximately 1400 to meet with local responders. START arrived onsite at approximately 1600 and collected water samples for ammonia analysis. Pilgrim's environmental contractors CCI plugged water drainage lines and continued to offload ammonia tanks and lines. EPA MCP arrived onsite and set up Area Raes at ventilation exhaust point, southeastern property line on highway 74, northern property line on railroad tracks, western parking lot and northwestern property line. Levels on property lines have not exceeded approximately 1ppm. Several dead craw fish were observed approximately .5 miles downstream of the facility in one location and notified NC DENR DWQ, no other fish kills have been observed. At approximately 2350 Fire Department began positive air ventilation of the facility  with large fans. EPA continuously monitored all Area Raes during ventilation. Approximately 5,000,000 lbs of chicken has been contaminated and will be disposed of in a landfill pending approval.