Date: June 13, 2001
Subject: Walton Barge Urea Spill
Houston, Harris County, Texas
From: Karen McCormick, U.S. EPA, Region 6 (214-665-8365)
To: Director, OERR
Charles A. Gazda, RPB, EPA Region 6
US Coast Guard, MSO Houston
Event: Emergency Response
Start Date: June 12, 2001
Demobilization Date: June 12, 2001
Site Type: Fertilizer Spill During Flooding Event
Site Latitude/Longitude: 29 45 59 N / 95 11 22 W
I SITUATION
On June 12, 2001, the EPA Region 6 Response and Prevention Branch (EPA) responded to a fertilizer spill into Greens Bayou near 13040 Market Street in Houston, Harris County, Texas. The spill was reported to EPA by MSO Houston following damage assessments during the Tropical Storm Allison rainfall event. Walton Barge, the potentially responsible party (PRP), lost an unknown amount of granular urea fertilizer (CAS#57-13-6) when approximately 40 inches of flood water inundated a warehouse and dock adjacent to Greens Bayou three miles upstream from the Houston Ship Channel. Walton Barge loads barges and railcars with the material that is owned by multiple customers.
I ACTIONS TAKEN
On June 12, 2001, EPA mobilized to the site and performed a site investigation. The site is approximately 1800 feet southwest of the intersection of US Intrastate 10 and Uvalde. Upon arriving at the site, EPA was briefed by the Walton Barge warehouse superintendent who stated that in the early morning hours of June 9, 2001, flood water entered the warehouse dissolving the bulk fertilizer (solubility 120g/100ml) and transporting it off site. No granular material was observed on site; however, odors of the nitrogen derived urea were noted in the warehouse vicinity.
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III FUTURE PLANS
The PRP plans to remove mud, silt, and soils near the warehouse that may have been affected and spread on arable land away from drinking water per the manufacturer's recommendation.
IV KEY ISSUES
The fertilizer is not regulated as a hazardous material; and thus, was not reported when spilled into the bayou.
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