Watch CBS News

Ammonia Leak Contained At San Jose Treatment Plant

SAN JOSE (CBS/AP) -- Authorities say an ammonia leak at a San Jose water treatment facility has been contained, allowing police to lift a stay-in-place order issued to nearby residents.

Police say hazardous materials crews arrived at the Santa Teresa Water Treatment Plant Saturday morning after receiving reports of a strong odor emanating from inside. They discovered a leak in a 5,000-gallon holding tank containing aqueous ammonia.

Santa Clara Valley Water District spokesman Tony Mercado tells the San Jose Mercury News that police advised 25 residents near the plant to stay indoors.

Police estimate about 250 gallons leaked from the tank before the spill was contained at 2:15 p.m.

Mercado says the plant's water supply was not contaminated by the spill. He says the cause of the leak is still under investigation.

No injuries were reported.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services may have contributed to this report)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.