U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Liberty Train Derailment - Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region IV
Subject: POLREP #2
Progress POLREP
Liberty Train Derailment
B4A3
Liberty, SC
Latitude: 34.7738207 Longitude: -82.7133608

To:
From: Rick Jardine, On Scene Coordinator
Date: 6/17/2010
Reporting Period: 06/12/2010 to 06/16/2010

1. Introduction
  1.1 Background
   
Site Number: B4A3    Contract Number:  
D.O. Number:      Action Memo Date:  
Response Authority: CERCLA    Response Type: Emergency
Response Lead: EPA    Incident Category: Removal Action
NPL Status: Non NPL    Operable Unit:
Mobilization Date: 6/11/2010    Start Date: 6/11/2010
Demob Date:      Completion Date:  
CERCLIS ID:    RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:    State Notification:
FPN#:    Reimbursable Account #:


1.1.1 Incident Category - Emergency

1.1.2 Site Description - Derailment     

1.1.2.1 Location - Liberty, SC

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat - Derailed cars have toxic and flammable hazardous materials.

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results - Containers of several different materials have been breeched and the materials have leaked to the grounds surface.  The most toxic, vinyl acetate and toluene diisocyanate appear to be damaged but not leaking.
2. Current Activities
  2.1 Operations Section
    2.1.1 Narrative  - Many responders have mobilized to the scene including RJ Corman, Hepaco, and CTEH.  Several government entities are also present including Liberty CityPolice and Fire, Pickens County HAZMAT, SC DHEC and EMD, EPA and NWS

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date  - Pickens County EMA and the city of Liberty had evacuated nearby residents during the early stages of this as a precaution, but all have been allowed to return to their homes as of Saturday morning June 12th.  Media involvement has been steady for most of the past week. 

Norfolk Southern immediately began simultaneous operations including replacing track, switch, and signal gear as well as hazmat operations.  The temporary rail is essential to efficient removal of bulk product. 

On Sunday, June 13th, NS developed a need for activated carbon to enable safe venting of the toluene diisocyanate car.  Pickens County EMA inquired of local chemical companies to supply the needed commodity while EPA activated ERRS contractor Environmental Restoration to procure and deliver 3 additional 55-gallon drums.

On Monday June 14th, Unified Command was officially formed to manage the various aspects of the response. the UC consisted of NS, Pickens County, EPA, and SCDHEC.  Operationally, NS assisted Bayer in transfering an estimated 25,000 gallons of toluene diisocyanate to a sound tanker which was transported offsite.

Three survey teams formed by EPA, SCDHEC, CTEH, and Pickens County and Liberty HAZMAT responders conducted air monitoring to ensure safe operations and protection of the community living nearby. Operations also included construction of a gravel road on the south side of the rail line to facilitate truck transport of viable product.

On Tuesday NS contracted for the transfer of vinyl acetate, and isopropal alchohol.  During this reporting period, the isopropal alcohol transfer was about half complete, with each of two cars still containing about 15,000 gallons and the third isopropyl car containing approximately 3,000 gallons.  NS has also excavated all visibly contaminated soil that can be reached and arranged for disposal off-site.  During all transfer operations EPA, SCDHEC and Pickens County HAZMAT conducted air monitoring and oversight of response actions. 

Throughout the week, NS has excavated approximately 600 cubic yards of contaminated soil. and arranged for appropriate disposal.  NS has also begun removing other non-hazardous commodities and loading for highway transport. 

On Wednesday June 16th NS and their consultant began development of a soil remediation plan for review by SCDHEC.  NS also developed an approach to ensuring stream water quality for Pickens County Storm Water and SCDHEC. 

2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

Waste Stream Medium Quantity Manifest # Treatment Disposal
           
           
           



  2.2 Planning Section
   

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities - NS intends to complete transfer of all bulk materials, and rinse the damaged isopropanol and glycol cars.  NS will also remove the vinyl acetate and toluene diisocyanate residue cars from the site and rinse them in a controled environment.  They intend to arrange for disposal of all isopropanol and rinse waters, conduct soil removal in accordance with the SCDHEC approved plan, and remove wreckage from the site. 

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

2.2.2 Issues - NS will advise EPA 24 hour in advance of removing the residue cars. 


  2.3 Logistics Section
    No information available at this time.
  2.4 Finance Section
    No information available at this time.
  2.5 Other Command Staff
    No information available at this time.
3. Participating Entities
  No information available at this time.
4. Personnel On Site
  No information available at this time.
5. Definition of Terms
  No information available at this time.
6. Additional sources of information
  No information available at this time.
7. Situational Reference Materials
  No information available at this time.