People travelling in and out of Inverell on Monday afternoon had an unexpected delay as emergency crews fought to contain an ammonia leak.
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Fire and Rescue NSW received a triple zero call just after 4.30pm reporting a refrigerator at Bindaree Beef had sprung an ammonia leak.
Crews from Inverell and Glen Innes Fire Stations including HAZMAT experts quickly attended the Gwydir Highway site.
Around 200 people had already evacuated from the abattoir building when they arrived.
Firefighters in protective suits worked to repair the leak after being told by staff the leak was contained.
Exclusion zones of 800 metres were put in place by Fire and Rescue NSW crews and NSW Rural Fire Service.
While NSW Ambulance attended the incident, no injuries were reported.
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Gwydir Highway was closed in both directions near Fernhill Road, with disruptions lasting around one hour.
Drivers were asked to pull to the side of the road, before being waved through once the coast was clear.
The site was decontaminated and rendered safe shortly before 7pm.
