Mitchell County Train Derailment, NRC Report# 906758 and 906759, HWY 197 North at Old Forbes Road - At approximately 0530 hrs on May 27 approximately 15 - 30 rail cars derailed on the Yancey line affecting the North Toe River. The cars contained hazardous material but at this time there are no reported releases. Preliminary information reports that the rail cars contained Fuel Oil, Alcohol, Molten Sulfur, Petroleum lube oil, Liquid petroleum and Liquid fertilizer.
Upon arrival on site EPA conducted a assessment (visual/air monitoring) with CSX and HEPACO. There were no indications of a release of hazardous substance or oil. Air monitoring using photo-ionization detector (PID) indicated no concerns, non-detect for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and lower explosive limits (LELs). A Gas-Tech was used to monitor for hydrogen sulfide which was also non-detect.
There are two molten sulfur cars that have derailed but are upright and there is no evidence of breach or release.
There are a total of three liquid hazmat rail cars that are on their sides. These cars are on the opposite side of the tracks as the North Toe River. The banks of the river leading to the tracks are very steep and there is not much room on either side.
1 - rail car is "empty" containing residual fuel oil.
2 - rail cars containing approximately 27,000 gallons each ethanol. These cars are not suspected to have breached but cannot be confirmed since they are on their sides.
Two rail cars have impacted the North Toe River, both rail cars are non hazmat. They contain grain (corn) and iron scrap. An estimate of one ton of corn has been released.
Non-hazmat cars will be moved and uprighted first.
EPA met with US Fish and Wildlife, CSX, HEPACO, and RJ Corman to discuss uprighting and moving these rail cars. Another meeting will take place to discuss and develop contingencies prior to these cars being moved or downloaded.
Cars were uprighted and removed.
http://www.epaosc.org/MitchellCountyTrainDerailment
This portion of the North Toe River is designated sensitive habitat by US Fish and Wildlife.
EPA contacted CSX and Fish and Wildlife, CSX agreed to remove the corn from the river bank, Fish and Wildlife will oversee removal.
|
