Transportation Chemical Incidents – Week of 10-5-24

Reporting Background

See this post for explanation, with the most recent update here (removed from paywall).

Data from PHMSA’s online database of transportation related chemical incidents that have been reported to the agency. 

Incidents Summary

• Number of incidents – 539 (505 highway, 27 air, 7 rail, 0 water)

• Serious incidents – 3 (3 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 1 major artery closed, 0 fire/explosion, 33 no release)

• Largest container involved – 30,270-gal DOT 117R100W Railcar {Alcohols, N.O.S.} Bottom valve open and cover loose.

• Largest amount spilled – 8,400-gal Tank Truck { Gasohol Gasoline Mixed With Ethyl Alcohol, With Not More Than 10% Alcohol} Tank truck in roll-over truck accident, liquid contents leaked out through vent line.

NOTE: Links above are to Form 5800.1 for the described incidents.

Most Interesting Chemical: Ferric Chloride, Solution: A colorless to light brown aqueous solution that has a faint hydrochloric acid odor. Highly corrosive to most metals and probably corrosive to tissue. Noncombustible. Used in sewage treatment and water purification. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov). This chemical is one of the frequent causes of chlorine gas releases at water treatment plants and wastewater treatment plants when it is added to bleach storage tanks by mistake.