In the afternoon of August 22, a CNN report indicated a train derailment and fire in Luther, OK. A subsequent NRC report (881501) confirmed the BNSF derailment, and fire of 4-5 rail cars containing methanol and petroleum fuels.
An evacuation of the surrounding area was called, with roads closed. Local responders were on scene, as well as BNSF emergency response crews.
OSC Mason was dispatched to the scene to offer assistance to local/State response personnel.
OSC Mason arrived at the scene at approximately 1730 hours, and joined up with the incident command structure established -- BNSF Emergency Response, Edmond Fire Department, and Oklahoma State Highway Patrol.
OSC Mason was briefed on the situation, and explained what assistance EPA could provide if requested.
Public roads were still closed and a few residents kept out of their homes due to the potential fire involving the methanol rail cars. It was assumed that the methanol cars were involved in the fire.
Cars containing residual amounts of hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, and other CERCLA hazardous substances were involved in the derailment.
Personnel from BNSF, their contractor, and EPA OSC drove to the derailment scene to assess the ongoing situation.
AFter surveying the entire scene, it was determined that 4-5 rail cars were still on fire, but burning off residual in most of the cars.
One car of crude oil was still leaking, with the leakage burning as it left the car.
It was determined that the methanol cars were not involved in the initial fire, but that one of the cars was damaged and potentially leaking.
Due to the nature of the substances burning, it was agreed by all parties that the smoke coming off the scene would not present a significant hazard.
No residences were downwind within any reasonable distance.
Some residual oil was observed on the ground around the derailment scene, but no surface waters were threatened or impacted.
BNSF and its contractors brought in all necessary equipement to extinguish remaining fires, remove any contaminated soil from the oil, removed damaged cars, and replace damaged track.
It was agreed to allow the cars to continue to burn until the tracking clearing equipment was in place. At that time, foam would be applied to the remaining small fires.
Any contaminated material would be placed in frac tanks for proper disposal. Remaining product in undamaged cars would be sent forward.
The contractor for BNSF would then sample the soil around the derailment area for residual oil and any other potential materials.
Roads (which were closed for emergency vehicle traffic and command area) were reopened around 1930 hours, and all residents that lived along closed roads were allowed to return.
Local and response emergency response personnel were released from the scene at approximately 2000 hours.
OSC Mason left scene at approximately 2300 hours.
None.
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