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UP-McRae Nitric Acid

 
Site Contact:
Nicholas Roff
OSC

(roff.nicholas@epa.gov)

Site Location:
Milepost 309 @ Rip Kirk Road
McRae, AR 72102
 response.epa.gov/UP-Mcrae-NitricAcid
NRC#: 1402141

On June 17, 2024, at approximately 11:50 AM, the EPA was notified by the National Response Center of a release of nitric acid into the atmosphere and on the ground from a rail tank car in McRae, Arkansas along Highway 367. The cause of the release was due to equipment failure on a valve located at the top of a single railcar. Nearby residents along Highway 367 were evacuated from the area as a precaution, but no detections of nitric acid at the source location or in the immediate area.  An EPA OSC and technical assistance (START) contractors were activated to respond.

 

 

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START Preparing for pH Testing at a Background Location Source Location with Evidence of Vegetation Burn from the Acid Plume pH Testing Upstream of Source Location with Results Showing Approximately 5-6 Nitric Acid Railcar at a Railyard in Bald Knob EPA Discussing with RP's Health and Safety Manager on Final Updates of the Acid Spill