The leak sent more than 100 people to emergency rooms, and police evacuated about 12 blocks of the residential area northeast of the spill site at the corner of A Street and Oregon Avenue. At the time of the spill, residents complained of dizziness, stomach aches and vision problems in addition to headaches. The concern now is about what may crop up in the future. Calls to Oxarc for comment were not returned this week. It is an industrial, medical and specialty gas company.
Ammonia typically is used in refrigeration systems.
Oxarc has 12 locations in Washington, Idaho and Oregon. Asked why it took so long for the plaintiffs to file suit, Roach said the two sides were engaged in lengthy negotiations. Maria Nunez and her family didn't have to wait. Her son's headaches began about the time of the spill, she said. When Nunez has gone to doctors for help, they tell her to give her son aspirin.