Chemical leak at Waikato Fonterra plant

A Fonterra plant in the Waikato has had a chemical leak.

Fire Service shift manager Jaron Phillips said the leak happened after 10,000 litres of caustic mixed with 1400 litres of ammonia.

Mr Phillips said a chemical cloud was seen over the plant but that has now dissipated.

He said no one has been injured at the plant which is between Tokoroa and Putaruru.

Mr Phillips said fire fighters were putting on their hazardous chemical suits which include breathing apparatus.

He said an ambulance is on stand-by at a safe distance and the hazard unit from Rotorua has just arrived.

A spokeswoman for Fonterra said there had been a "chemical reaction" at the plant known as Lichfield.

She said emergency services were at the scene which has now been evacuated and a full investigation was underway.

The spokeswoman said no one had been injured.

- NZ HERALD STAFF