NRC#: 943566 - Train Derailment in Liberty, South Carolina
It was first reported at least one tank railcar containing Isopropyl-Alcohol. Further reports indicated that Styrene, Methyl-Methacylate Monomer, Propylene Oxide, Acrylic Acid, Vinyl Acetone, Ethylene-glycol where also being transported and they were unsure if any had been spilled.
SC DHEC Central Office Responders to the scene at 6:00 p.m.
At 7:30 p.m. – HEPACO had gone in to make an initial assessment, no results have been relayed. Update: some Isopropyl-Alcohol and Ethylene-glycol was reported spilled.
Evacuation order was given for one-mile surrounding the scene.
Central office responders, and Media Relations, arrived on-scene at 8:30 p.m.
A minor amount of ethylene-glycol was still leaking. HEPACO has been tasked to plug the leak which was secured.
SC DHEC has conducted limited air monitoring and Multi-Rae readings did not detect anything above expected values. Radiation readings were also at background and no visual evidence of chemicals downstream, in the surface water, of the derailment.
USEPA TEL Duty has been coordinating with SC DHEC and is on stand-by and will respond if requested.
At 12:00 a.m., local Hazmat remain on stand-by for response as back up for Hepaco contractor as they begin clean-up operations. SC DHEC regional personnel will arrange schedule to periodically monitor clean-up progress Friday.
Evacuation had been released with the exception of 11 homes near the crash site. 11 homes will remain evacuated while tank cars are being removed.
**UPDATE**
A Rail Car containing toluene diisocyanate is part of the derailment and the PRP is flying in a special team to handle the transfer of materials. OSC Jardine and Tetra Tech (START) have been deployed to assist with air monitoring. EPA will coordinate with SC DHEC as all material transfers continue.
