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On 2/26/04 at approximately 4:15 a.m., the EPA RRC was notified of a spill from a CSX rail locomotive in Richmond Virginia. The location of the spill was immediately adjacent to a canal which empties directly into the James River. Drinking water intakes for the City of Richmond are located along the canal.
The leak occurred from a high pressure line in the locomotive. The initial emergency responders on scene had difficulty securing the spill and requested EPA assistance. Although CSX had hired a contractor who was enroute to the scene, the responders were concerned that the spill may not be contained in time.
OSC Chris Wagner arrived on scene at approximately 6:15 a.m. The emergency responders had departed. A representative from A&A was on scene representing CSX.
The spill had mostly emptied into a sump pump tray on the locomotive. Some product had leaked onto the ballast, although no visible product had reached the canal. The OSC did not observe any fuel oil migrating to the canal. A vac truck was mobilized to offload the diesel fuel.
A&A pumped off 258 gallons from the locomotive. As of 2:30 p.m., the estimated amount of diesel released is approximately 200 gallons.
A&A continues to perform excavation in the ballast area. Furthermore, booms are being deployed as a precaution. Rain/snow is expected later today.
OSC Wagner left messages regarding EPA's activities with Mr. Iverson of VDEM and Mr. Conover of VADEQ. OSC also coordinated with Capt. Brooke, Richmond's Hazardous Materials Coordinator.
The OSC is not initiating contract support or planning any removal activities.
OSC will check condition of canal following the next rain event. However, if no sheen or discharge is noted, no further polreps will be issued.
An FPN is not being obtained for this event because of the limited EPA involvement.
An administrative order is not being issued because the cleanup actions are expected to be completed today.
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