On 06/22/07, Norfolk Southern Railroad (NSRR) reported a 13 car train derailment in Jeffersontown, KY (NRC# 839619). The 108 car train was enroute to St. Louis, MO, when 10 cars derailed about 1440 hrs. EDT at NSRR Milepost 288W, at the Ruckriegel Parkway underpass. Of the 10 cars which were derailed, 4 contained molten phenol. As a precaution, the Jeffersontown Fire Department evacuated the population within a one half mile radius as while the extent of the derailment was being assessed. EPA OSC Art Smith was dispatched to further investigate the incident.
OSC Smith arrived onscene at approximately 1800 hrs. EDT. The Jefferson County Hazmat Team made a Level B entry into the wreck site, and determined that the phenol tank cars were discovered to be intact, and not leaking product. The only release was from a hopper car which was carrying plastic pellets. At 2030 hrs., the Fire Dept. Incident Commander declared the emergency to be over, and the evacuation was lifted. NSRR crews initiated salvage activities necessary to clear the rail line. OSC Smith demobilized the incident at 2100 hrs. EDT. No further federal response is warranted.
