On Tuesday January 16, 2007, a CSX Transportation freight train derailed near CSXT milepost 000015 in Brooks, KY, approximately 25 miles south of Louisville, KY. The incident resulted in a release of hazardous substances into the environment, prompting an evacuation of homes, schools, and businesses within a one mile radius of the scene. The incident location is also a few miles west of Interstate 65 and an 8 mile stretch of the interstate was shut down for 12 hours. The derailment involved tank cars of 1,3-butadiene, c-hexane, and methyl ethyl ketone, which were detected in air and water samples collected in response to the incident. All fires were extinguished by 01/21/07, marking the transition from the emergency response to a long-term environmental investigation and cleanup. EPA and the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection (KYDEP) are working jointly to oversee the work performed by CSXT.
