Chemical Transportation Incidents – Week of 2-21-26

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 – 447 (408 highway, 31 air, 7 rail, 1 water)

• Serious incidents – 4 (3 Bulk release, 1 evacuation, 1 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 6 fire/explosion, 36 no release)

• Largest container involved – 203,900-gal (?) DOT 117R100W Railcar {Diesel Fuel} Bottom outlet valve leaking.

• Largest amount spilled – 500-gal Tank truck {Gasoline Includes Gasoline Mixed With Ethyl Alcohol, With Not More Than 10% Alcohol} Vent pipe malfunction.

• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 2117.9-gal

NOTE: Links above are to Form 5800.1 for the described incidents. Link not available for tank truck incident.

Most Interesting Chemical: Tributylamine: A pale yellow liquid with an ammonia-like odor. Less dense than water. Very irritating to skin, mucous membranes, and eyes. May be toxic by skin absorption. Low toxicity. Used as an inhibitor in hydraulic fluids. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).