INCIDENT DUE TO FAILURE OF ESV

A chlorine railcar transfer hose ruptured, releasing 48,000 pounds of chlorine. Hundreds of residents were evacuated or sheltered-in-place, and sixty-three local residents sought medical evaluation; three were admitted to the hospital. The chlorine also damaged tree leaves and vegetation around the facility. The CSB determined that an excess flow valve internal to the chlorine railcar did not close, contributing to the severity of the event. As a result of such chlorine releases, the CSB has issued a recommendation to the Department of Transportation (DOT) to expand the scope of DOT regulatory coverage to include chlorine railcar unloading operations and ensure the regulations specifically require remotely operated emergency isolation devices that will quickly isolate a leak in any of the flexible hoses (or piping components) used to unload a chlorine railcar.Courtesy EPA