Ammonia Theft

Recently, while performing a daily inspection, a client of ours observed unusual valve tampering on an exterior ammonia service valve.

Further investigation revealed unusual damage to the valve plug, indicating that an ammonia theft was likely attempted. Thankfully, circumstances must have cut the crime short, but the potential consequence of a such an occurrence are startling to even imagine.

With this in mind, we want to use this “near miss” as an opportunity to remind the ammonia industry that ammonia is a constituent in the production of illicit drugs (e.g. meth). Several government agencies have additional informational resources and statistics about this topic:

• USEPA “Anhydrous Ammonia Theft” (EPA-F-00-005)
• CDC “Anhydrous Ammonia Thefts and Releases Associated with Illicit Methamphetamine Production”

To help reduce theft potential, we recommend that all access valves located in unsecured areas and at ground level be locked closed when not in use.