Chemical Incident Reporting – Week of 2-7-26

NOTE: See here for series background.

HOCKLEY, TX– 2-7-26

Local News Report: Here and here.

There was a release of methyl mercaptan fumes from a rail car cleaning facility that caused the evacuation of a nearby school. Two students were transported to a local hospital but they treated and released. There were no physical damages related to this incident.

Not CSB reportable.

Methyl mercaptan is the chemical added in very low concentrations to natural gas and propane as an odorant to aid in detection of gas leaks of those two chemicals. VERY low concentrations in the air produce a detectable and objectionable odor.

I would like to suggest that CSB update their accidental release reporting regulations to add any release that results in the evacuation of a school or medical facility should be a reportable incident under those regulations.

Santa Rosa Beach, FL – 2-11-26

Local News Report: Here, here, and here.

There was an unidentified chemical spill from an unknown vehicle on a public road that released visible fumes. The roadway was blocked and hazmat crews cleaned up the spill. No injuries were reported.

Not CSB reportable, this was a transportation related incident.

This article raised an interesting list of questions about the response to this incident.

Midwest City, OK – 2-12-26

Local News Report: Here and here.

There was a cleaning chemical mixing incident at a food processing facility that resulted in the release of chlorine gas. The 50-gallon drum where the mixing took place was capped and the building was aired out. No injuries were reported and there were no damages related to the incident.

Not CSB reportable.