UPDATE: Leak stopped late Monday afternoon at Cargill plant near Wahpeton

(UPDATE 6:30 PM) — Sheriff Gary Ruhl said a hazardous materials team from the Fargo Fire Department was able to stop the leak late Monday afternoon.

RICHLAND CO., N.D.  (KVRR) –Police and fire for both Fargo and Wahpeton are working to clear out a spill of hydrochloric acid.

The leak was reported at around 5:45 a.m. Firefighters from several area fire departments, including a Haz-Mat crew from Fargo, were among those who responded.

Richland County Emergency Manager Brett Lambrecht says the leak involved an estimated 2,000 gallons of hydrochloric acid.

Police began blocking off roads leading north towards the plant after a shelter-in-place advisory was issued for a three-mile radius from the plant. Two farmsteads near the plant were evacuated.

As crews work to clear out the spill, a storm system is rolling in, threatening to disrupt their efforts.

Lambrecht said the clearing of the spill was stopped midway through due to the storm. No injuries were reported.

Hydrochloric acid can cause severe burns, irritation, and damage to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.

When contacted for comment, Cargill stated, “The facility has been temporarily shut down until we can ensure it is safe for employees to return to work. We expect this will have no impact on our ability to deliver food to our customers.”