Chemical Transportation Incidents – Week of 9-26-26

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 – 479 (456 highway, 18 air, 5 rail, 0 water) 
• Serious incidents – 0 (0 Bulk release, 0 evacuation, 0 injury, 0 death, 0 major artery closed, 0 fire/explosion, 20 no release)  
• Largest container involved – 30,140-gal DOT 117J100W Railcar {Alcohols, N.O.S.} Bottom overflow valve not completely closed and cap not tool tight. 
• Largest amount spilled – 55-gal Steel Drum {Pine Oil} Drum impacted by pallet during loading. 
• Total amount reported spilled in all incidents – 1154.3-gal 

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

Most Interesting Chemical: Pine Oil: A clear colorless to light amber colored liquid. Contains mainly tertiary and secondary terpene alcohols Produced from the wood of pine trees by extraction or steam distillation. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are heavier than air. Vapors can cause headache, confusion, respiratory distress. Liquid irritates skin. (Source: CameoChemicals.NOAA.gov).  

INSERT UN 1272 Placard