By Staff
March 30th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a shock to many of the people who got the letter from Sofina – better known as Fearmans – the pork processing plant at the intersection of Appleby Line and Harvester Road.
Ward 6 Councillor Paul Sharman said “First time I knew about the ammonia project was when Sofina called me to say they were sending the letter in accordance with Fed regulations. It was going to 1000’s of homes 2.kms around it. That was it. They did not mention the sign to me.
March 2021
Dear Neighbour,
As a partner in the community, we are sharing some information with you. Sofina Foods Inc. operates in Burlington at Appleby Line and Harvester Road. This facility is one of the largest employers in Burlington, and we have proudly done business in Burlington for 60 years.
Keeping You Informed: Ammonia Safety at the Burlington Plant Why are we sharing this information with you?
As a partner in the community, we are informing all neighbouring residents and businesses about
the use of ammonia at our facility.
What is ammonia?
Ammonia can take several forms including a colourless gas, a liquid or a white vapour. Ammonia, like most chemicals, when properly managed, is very safe.
How does Sofina use ammonia?
Like many other companies, we use ammonia at our facility as a refrigerant to keep our products cold. As required, it is stored in pressure vessels located in an engine room and transported from those vessels through a closed piping system, to cooling units in our production areas, storage rooms, coolers, and freezers.
Sofina’s ammonia system is maintained by highly trained Sofina personnel and third-party specialists through a rigorous preventive maintenance process and schedule. Further, our cooling system has monitoring systems in our engine rooms to alert our team of any possible issue related to a potential release.
A 150 year old corporation that plays a significant role in the Burlington economy. Should a slaughterhouse be in this location? It is not about to go anywhere – if anything they want to increase the size of the location.
What do you need to know?
In the highly unlikely event that there is an ammonia-related release, we have measures in place similar to other companies that use ammonia.
It is important that you are aware of the following:
• You may hear a loud siren. This means there is an ammonia-related release at our Burlington plant.
• Sofina will send out a text message to everyone who has opted into our text notification system. Instructions for opting in are below and this is your best way to stay informed.
• You must “Shelter-in-Place”. This means you should stay where you are and not go outside. If you are outside, you should get indoors immediately.
• If you are “Sheltering-in-Place” and you are at home, close your windows and doors and shut down your ventilation and/or air conditioning. Staying inside is the best way to protect yourself.
• If you are “Sheltering-in-Place” and you are in your car, remain in your car, park in a safe spot and turn the engine off.
Obviously a major hydro user and also a company that is well funded and in a position to grow their operation if the market demand is there.
• Once the Fire Department assesses the situation, they will collaborate with Halton Region Police and Paramedic Services to determine appropriate next steps.
• Throughout the emergency, the public will be informed regarding the status of the emergency response and the actions being taken to resolve the situation.
• The team at Sofina will work closely with the Burlington Fire Department and Halton Region Police and Paramedic Service. You can check our website at www.sofinafoods.com for updates and visit the City of Burlington’s social media platforms: Twitter @cityburlington @burlingtonfire and www.burlington.ca/en/
Symptoms of exposure to ammonia can include a burning sensation in your eyes, nose or throat and in extreme cases, difficulty breathing. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should cover your ears, nose or mouth with a towel or some type of fabric and move to an area inside. You should keep your doors and windows closed and if necessary, place towels at the base of the door. If you believe you have been exposed to ammonia, you should see a medical practitioner
– either your family physician or emergency care as needed.
For more information Text Alerts:
The text alert system will be the fastest way to receive information and stay informed. Please sign up today. You will only receive these in the event of an emergency. Please text
1-888-217-6557 and the word ‘ADD’ to be added to our contact list. We do not collect any personal information from this service, and you can opt out at anytime.
Contact Us:
emergencyresponse@sofinafoods.com I 905-637-2301
Other languages:
To view this document in other languages please visit: www.sofinafoods.com/info
ammonia is a very common industrial refrigerant , it is very efficicient and has no ozone depleting properties or global warming properties …. also it is important to remember that that plant has been there long before that area was built up
This plant has been operating since 1962 and now in 2021 we are being told about the dangers of an ammonia leak. By posting signs on their property fences and mailing out warnings, Fearman’s are only trying to avoid liability. 50 years ago in 1971 I moved to Burlington and had I known about the dangers of ammonia leaks I might have chosen to live elsewhere. Yes, ammonia does not deplete the ozone layer. However, there are now refrigerants that are now more friendly to the planet. It seems that it’s all about profit and not the residents of Burlington. Shame on you Fearman’s!
Surely there are other refrigerants that can be used. Why use ammonia especially in a heavily populated residential area?
Is it fair that the surrounding residential areas should be on high alert for hazardous ammonia spills. When I go out for a walk should I close all my windows? Sofina should move to a rural area. This could be a future environmental catastrophe. Ignorance is bliss but now that we know I would hope that our elected officials are working on it. Since I received the letter I don’t feel safe in my home
I remember seeing something like that in the mail. But didn’t read very much. Just thought it was somebody else wanting to buy my house. My bad….
Kudos for the warning. Reminds me of my job in England left in 1971. Typing with tears streaming down my face and when walking to the offices located in the factory (ICI) my nylons would develop huge holes in them. These were massive ammonia leaks that would not be tolerated today.