Ammonia Leak in Bay City, TX Injures Multiple Workers at Roehm USA Facility

A significant ammonia leak at the Roehm USA chemical manufacturing plant in Bay City, Texas, has left multiple workers injured. According to local authorities and emergency response teams, a failed valve on a brine chiller released a quantity of ammonia, prompting an immediate onsite response. While officials report that there is no apparent risk to the surrounding community, at least 10 people have been taken to local hospitals for treatment and evaluation.

About the Ammonia Leak

Emergency responders were notified at around 1 p.m. on Friday, March 7 of a possible chemical leak at the Roehm USA plant. Matagorda County officials confirmed that a pressure safety valve on a brine chiller malfunctioned, causing ammonia to leak. The facility’s built-in alarm and safety systems activated, and emergency personnel—supported by the company’s response team—worked to evacuate and evaluate workers for possible exposure.

No further issues were reported as of late Friday, and officials say the leak has been contained. While the condition of those taken to the hospital has not been publicly released, the majority of remaining employees were transported off-site as a precautionary measure. Two ambulances stayed at the scene for additional support.

What Is Ammonia?

Ammonia is a colorless gas, often compressed into a liquid form for industrial uses. It has a distinct, sharp odor and is primarily used in refrigeration systems and the manufacturing of certain fertilizers, plastics, and other chemicals.

Common side effects of ammonia exposure include:

• Respiratory Irritation: High levels of ammonia can cause burning sensations in the nose, throat, and lungs, leading to coughing or trouble breathing.
• Eye & Skin Irritation: Contact with liquid ammonia or concentrated fumes can irritate the eyes, causing redness or blurred vision, as well as skin burns or blisters.
• Inhalation Risks: Extended exposure in enclosed spaces can be dangerous, possibly leading to more severe respiratory distress or chemical burns in the respiratory tract.

Prompt medical attention is crucial if someone is exposed to ammonia, especially in higher concentrations or over an extended period.

In Bay City—where refineries and chemical manufacturing plants are a vital part of the local economy—ammonia may be utilized or stored in various facilities. At the Roehm USA plant, for instance, ammonia can be part of specific cooling processes or used in the production pathways of plastic-based materials. Because of ammonia’s potentially hazardous nature, companies working with it must have strict handling and storage protocols to protect both workers and the surrounding community.

Roehm USA’s Bay City Facility

Roehm USA is part of a global chemical manufacturing enterprise with a history stretching back decades. Originally founded in Germany, the broader Roehm organization has become a leading name in the production of methacrylate-based products and other specialty chemicals, commonly used in plastics, coatings, and numerous industrial applications.

The company issued a statement confirming the ammonia leak was contained and emphasizing that public safety was not at risk.

Ongoing Monitoring & Community Impact

The Matagorda County Office of Emergency Management, along with local emergency medical services, remained on standby to provide additional support or treatment if needed. Although there have been no reports of widespread environmental harm, officials say they will continue monitoring air quality to confirm there is indeed no danger to surrounding neighborhoods.

For many in the Bay City area, industrial facilities are a source of livelihood, with hundreds of local residents working at plants like Roehm USA. However, incidents like this highlight the importance of rigorous maintenance and swift emergency response to ensure workers’ well-being.

Investigations are underway to determine precisely why the valve failed and whether adequate safety measures were in place.

We will be following developments related to this ammonia leak. Above all, our thoughts are with the injured workers and their families as they seek treatment and answers.