1.1.1 Incident Category

On-shore, non-transportation, fixed facility, CERCLA emergency response 

1.1.2 Site Description

A commercial facility that manufactures sodium hypochlorite in various concentrations. 

1.1.2.1 Location

40 Railroad Avenue, Merrimack, New Hampshire. 

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

Facility personnel reported the release of an estimated 1000 gallons of a 15% solution of sodium hypochlorite onto the ground. 

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

Response actions by the company responsible for the spill were not inconsistent with the NCP, and were being conducted with oversight by the local fire department and State of New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.  No federal funding was required to address this release.

2.1.1 Narrative

At approximately 8:45 AM on March 4, 2016, OSC Responder Haworth was dispatched to a reported 1000 gallon spill of Sodium Hypochlorite at the JCI Jones Chemical Company (JCI) at 40 Railroad Avenue in Merrimack, NH.  JCI produces various concentrations of sodium hypochlorite by combining chlorine and sodium hydroxide brought to this facility via railcar.  During a transfer of 15% sodium hypochlorite from the production area to an outdoor tank via a pipe located on the roof of the facility, the pipe ruptured and discharged the liquid product onto the roof.  Product traveled down a wall to a loading dock, and finally onto the ground and stone ballast at an adjacent railroad spur.

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

When the OSC arrived, a representative of the JCI's cleanup contractor was present, and awaiting the arrival of a vacuum truck.  Facility personnel had repaired the pipe, and were using bags of sodium sulfite to neutralize the spilled product.  A vacuum truck arrived, and was used to remove pooled product in the railroad track. There was no apparent means for the release to reach the Merrimack River approximately 200 yards from the facility prior to the completion of a cleanup.  Follow up actions will include determining the extent of contamination and excavation under and around the railroad tracks, and removal of soil as may be necessary based on testing.

2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)

JCI Jones Chemicals is the owner and operator of the facility and has taken responsibility for the release.

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

Spilled sodium hypochlorite that is collected in a vacuum truck will be disposed of at a licensed facility.  It is to be manifested off site on 3/4/2016.

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

See the Operations section of this report.

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

EPA does not plan to perform any additional response actions.

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

EPA does not plan to perform any additional response actions.

2.2.2 Issues

Issues associated with the release are being addressed by the PRP.  The State of New Hampshire DES is the lead agency for oversight.

2.5.1 Safety Officer

The OSC was the Safety Officer while on scene, and determined operations were being conducted safely during that time.

2.5.2 Liaison Officer

The OSC was the Liaison Officer while on scene, and coordinated with the Merrimack Fire Chief and NH DES. 

2.5.3 Information Officer

Due to the limited scope and duration of this response, a Public Information Officer was not assigned.  Representatives of the media were not present during the time the OSC was at the release.

3.1 Unified Command

EPA, NH DES, Merrimack Fire Department, JCI Jones Chemicals 

3.2 Cooperating Agencies

6.1 Internet location of additional information/report

epaosc.net

6.2 Reporting Schedule