A Kirby Marine barge apparently hit the lock and dam at Mile Marker 939 on the Ohio River at 2200 hours on Feb 27th. The impact resulted in the rupture of one of six tanks on the barge resulting in the release of approximately 10,000 gallons of cumene within the barge hold. A light sheen of material has impacted the river. The exact amount of product entering the river is unknown.
The USCG is serving as the Federal On Scene Coordinator. Illinois EPA, Illinois Civil Support Team, Kentucky Civil Support Team, Kentucky DEP, local EMA and Fire Departments, and OSCs from Region 4 and Region 5 continue to provide technical support and air monitoring support as necessary.
Air monitoring was conducted near the barge and along both the Kentucky and Illinois banks of the river. The air monitoring was preformed by the Civil Support Team, HazMat 1 (KY regional HazMat team), the Atlanta Strike Team, and the responsible party's contractor. No levels of concern were detected downwind of the barge. Air monitoring was continued during the off-loading of the damaged tank and wing voids on the barge.
The off-loading of the damaged tank and wing voids to a 2nd barge was completed during early AM hours on 2 MAR 07. At 0100 hours on 2MAR 07, the emergency response phase of the response was ended and the remaining actions were turned over completely to Kirby Marine with USCG over sight.
The remaining tanks on the barge will be off-loaded onto a 3rd barge. This action should be started at 1000 hours on 2 MAR 07 and is a routine procedure for the barge company. After the off-loading, the damaged barge will be moved to Baton Rouge for clean-up and repairs.
Bad weather conditions hindered operations at times. Also, the recovery barge's (2nd barge) tow boat came in contact with the lock and dam while trying to come along the side of the damaged barge. A 7 inch tear occurred in the tow boat causing it to nearly sink which temporarily slowed operations.
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