At approximately 0130 hours, on 2/27/2008 a Union Pacific train derailed in Alpine, TX. Union Pacific reported the incident to the National Response Center (NRC). The NRC assigned the incident #863463. The derailment impacted two railcars carrying bulk shipping containers of hazardous materials. Accoriding to the report, the derailment resulted in the release of an undetermined amount of tetrahydrofuran (THF) onto the rail ballast. A rail car of Methylene Diphenyl Isocyanate was also involved in the derailment but no release was reported.
The Alpine Volunteer Fire Department responded to the derailment and reported that they believe the entire contents of the Tetrahyrofuran container(estimated 3500 gallons)were released. The Alpine Volunteer Fire Department and Brewster County Sheriff’s Office rapidly deployed resources to isolate the derailment area, close adjacent roadways, evacuate nearby residences and coordinate with federal, state and local officials. They also indicated they were awaiting the arrival of Union Pacific representative on site, before initiating any additional response actions.
At 0750 on the morning of 27 February 2008, EPA OSC Steve Mason and START-3 contractors arrived on scene to assess the extent of the release, conduct air monitoring of the area surrounding the incident location, document response activities, and coordinate with state and local officials. START-3 air monitoring results indicated that no detectable levels of THF were present. After further evaluation of the derailed rail cars by Union Pacific representatives and the Alpine fire Department determined that the release was an emulsion of zinc dialkyl-dithiophosphate in mineral oil, a non-hazardous material. At 0930 hours the evacuation was lifted and roads were reopened by state and local officials. At 1430 hours EPA OSC Steve Mason and START demobilized from the incident.
Union Pacific Railroad and its contractors are working to remediate the impacted area and repair the damaged rail line. Union Pacific officials estimate that the line will reopen at approximately 2230 hours.
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