The Paulsboro, New Jersey freight train derailment and chemical spill of vinyl chloride clean-up in Mantua Creek is delayed by heavy morning fog, December 2, 2012.
The Mantua Creek is a a tributary to the Delaware River. Could it be a threat to Philly’s Drinking Water?
According to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chairwoman Debrorah Hersman, the conductor of the train that derailed Friday morning in Paulsboro, first came upon a red light before crossing the bridge.
The American Red Cross is assisting displaced people. Additional residents living within a 12-block radius of the accident scene were moved from their homes as a precautionary measure in the face of residual levels of vinyl chloride, a toxic, colorless and flammable gas that causes irritation, headache, shortness of breath and dizziness. in the air. In extremely high concentrations, the gas can cause death.
Really, I want to know why this chemical was going through this small town with no safely precautions. Does this happen frequently?
Where did this originate and where was its destination, the freight train. Why is, a hazardous material such as this transported in a different container, one that cannot be compromised?
Why isn’t the entire town being evacuated?
I will keep asking these questions.
The “news” will never tell all the truth in this event. The stations figure that you don’t need to know the whole story.
Dec 3, 2012
I would be in a Hotel with a lawyer on retainer. now!
With Chemical Still Pervasive, Paulsboro Authorities Order Residents Indoors
A shelter-in-place order was issued this morning for Paulsboro, NJ, because officials say they have measured elevated levels of vinyl chloride in the air — due to Friday’s train derailment and spill of that chemical
“When we began to detect these heightened levels, we pulled the responders, we pulled out work crews, and we pulled local officials away from the derailment site,” says US Coast Guard captain Kathy Moore.
Residents were being told to stay inside until the shelter in place order is lifted.
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2012/12/03/with-chemical-still-leaking-paulsboro-authorities-order-residents-indoors/
Sounds like the “officials” don’t know what to do. I am so surprised that Christie hasn’t spoke about this yet. I find that really strange.
Spellbound,
As a lawfirm who does this specific type of work, I have been trying to get updated information on the levels of the quality of air so I can post it. I have called the Emergency Mgmt. Teams in Gloucester County as well as other officials, and I am finding very little new information.
Hi Ceri,
There is little info because there is a cover up going on.
Local channel 10 news Harry H confronted a Conrail executive engineer, (no can speak) seems a report on the bridge maintenance is missing.
I would go down there when it is safe and let ppl know of your services.
(Glad to see someone heads are going to be accounted for.)
Again, this is a failure among government to provide a safe environment for its citizens.
People should have been evacuated immediately.
This chemical should not have been in a freight train along small towns Camden, to Carney Point. I want to know who owns the chemical and why they jeopardized residents along the route?
I have several post on this issue.
I dig deep everyday for info.
Live in South Jersey, 20 east of ordeal.
Also, Trying to give Staten Island ppl a voice on my blog.
( those poor souls are given no heat, energy to exist, over 30,000 ppls)
this is a disgrace, I hope there are no females pregnant living in that town.
they are taking this chemical spill lightly, Oh let us evacuate a few more hundred now.
Where is the Gov of New Jersey? We need to hear his voice now!
check back as I will update.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Posted: Wednesday, December 5, 2012, 3:01 AM
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/nation_world/20121205_MORE_IN_PAULSBORO_ORDERED_FROM_HOMES.html
NTSB: Paulsboro bridge adjusted the day before train derailment
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/Paulsboro_schools_close_from_train_derailment_vapor_levels.html
Human error, automation, aging bridge blamed for Paulsboro derailment
http://articles.philly.com/2012-12-04/news/35597220_1_conrail-train-derailment-bridge-mechanism
Thanks for your comment.
spellbound84
I think I am going to continue to post on my facebook page. I am trying to keep the residents of Gloucester County aprised of the situation. Like you said, though, it is very hard to get new updates. (I have a few fantastic connections, though!!) I will research who owned the cargo, just to fulfill your curiosity! I am in Swedesboro, where are you located?
Thanks for your quick response!
ok . .you were right, of course.. very hard to find info. . but here goes:
So far, his office has not heard from corporations cut off from freight, including Paulsboro Refining Company, PolyOne in Logan Township, DuPont in Carneys Point and DuPont Chambers Works.
Avakian-Hardaway said DuPont Chambers Works, at the foot of the Delaware Memorial Bridge, is “making the alternative supply arrangements” to continue its operations of making more than 500 different kinds of specialty chemical products
Since Friday’s freight train derailment, Conrail’s customers down the line from Paulsboro to Deepwater have been scrambling to get raw materials brought in and their finished products shipped out.
The Penns Grove Secondary rail line handles coal, plastic pellets, lumber, vinyl chloride and other hazardous materials used in oil refining and chemical manufacturing.
The disruption in rail service has been a major headache for producers in Gloucester and Salem counties, including DuPont Chambers Works in Deepwater and several companies within Logan’s Pureland Industrial Complex.
Thanks to you Ceri in helping SB keep the word out there. SB will report the truth and won’t sugar coat it.
As I have seen and appreciate!
An open house meeting for the Paulsboro community will take place tonight from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Nehaunsey Middle School. Officials say they plan to answer questions regarding air monitoring, environmental information, community assistance, protection and other issues.
Crane From NYC Arrives in Paulsboro
The shelter-in-place order that was in effect for Paulsboro, N.J. following last week’s train derailment was lifted Tuesday night
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Shelter-in-Place-Lifted-for-Paulsboro-182010691.html
Looks like the Keystone cops have move to NJ. I wonder if this gas dissipates or does it linger on clothing or other substances. Don’t drink the water!
Hi Ceri, excellent information. I want to know what chemical they are going to pump in to dissipate the 700 gallons of vinyl chloride out of the freight train?
I went on a mission in my local neighborhood and found out it was DuPont silly me, I should have used deduction as you confirmed.
Now, they are holding a meeting tonight. (why wasn’t there an initial meeting, when it first happened) Will wait for the you tube videos. Would like to be a fly on the wall.
I am North East in Voorhees, Camden County.
This post has been receiving many page views. So the information is being released to the public.
thank you again for your contact valuable information.
Seems like DuPont had problems in the past.
Click to access A-112-09+Donelson+v.+DuPont+Chambers+Works.pdf
Conrail Shared Assets Operations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conrail_Shared_Assets_Operations
E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Company – Deepwater
http://www.epa.gov/region2/waste/fschamb.htm
sp 84
The Mantua Creek is a tributary to the Delaware River. that is where the spill occurred.
I also saw people that got released from the Hospital recently had their worn clothes in a bag.
This is the rail in Swedesboro, NJ.
WOW . .sp . .I am going to see if anyone I know is going to the meeting or can go. I will do more research tomorrow to see what should be done for cleanup. I hate waiting for others to give me responses that haven’t been released yet .. there is always a way to find information S* *
I also worry about the wild life. What about the fish in the creek and river?
Ceri, let me know if you find out more info I will tag and post it up.
Going to do a post tonight on this info, I wonder what chemicals are in these tankers going through Swedesboro?
Looks like the same ones that took a dive into the Creek?
sp84
The local news is downplaying this entire situation. What about the wildlife that feeds off this creek is a excellent point.
Haz Mat is still there. This chemical is no joke.
What about the aquafer? This chemical in the creek will travel far and wide. This won’t be just a problem for the locals. Why is the gov’t. quiet on this? Will they send in a “Clean-up” crew for show? Will the EPA deem this crisis over and eveyone is safe? It is getting late in the game for clean-up.
DuPont handed out Cash in 2011 BINGO!~
DuPont settles suit over claims chemical tainted drinking water around Salem County plant
A preliminary $8.3 million settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit involving a group of Salem County residents and the DuPont Chambers Works over claims a chemical from the plant has tainted local drinking water.
The initial settlement, still needing approval by the United States District Court in Camden, stems from complaints in the suit that local drinking water contained an unhealthy level of perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, a substance that purportedly came from DuPont Chamber Works facility here.
Perfluorooctanoic acid, known as PFOA, was used for years by the DuPont Co. in the manufacture of compounds for non-stick surfaces such as Teflon.
http://www.nj.com/salem/index.ssf/2011/03/dupont_settles_suit_over_claim.html
Fantastic find SB. Great job!
I am sending this along to Local NBC, See if there is a response,
I think we are a small enough community for the politicians here to make sure its done the best way it can be.. how much of that information we receive and are kept abreast of .. who knows. But I am fairly good at digging . .and will definitely try to find stuff about the chemical and what they know about how it affects the environment . .I have a chemist in my back pocket ..(my father) who is brilliant and will be able to share a lot about this from an inside point . .should be interesting! I will have to translate his information from my “father-ese) to a lay persons language (wish I had an app for that!)
Paulsboro train derailment: U.S. Coast Guard limits media access to open house
December 05, 2012 at 5:15 PM
“We’re limiting media access so we can make sure the community is not being distracted,” Rosztowski said.
The unified command response team in charge of the wreck site and leak of vinyl chloride has been criticized locally for lack of information and contradictory public notices.
“I’m extremely disappointed they would limit public access to this meeting,” said Senate President Steve Sweeney, D-3, of West Deptford.
“It’s crazy,” he said. “This is another error in judgment by the Coast Guard in dealing with this. The best way to get the message out is to let as many of the media outlets report it. The communication has been horrible.”
The meeting is 6:30-8 tonight at Nehaunsey Middle School, 415 Swedesboro Rd., Gibbstown.
http://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/index.ssf/2012/12/us_coast_guard_limits_media_ac.html
Above post, Why is the Coast guard limiting Media access? Because they want to expose the Truth?
CLARKSBORO, N.J. — The removal of vinyl chloride from the breached rail car at the derailment in Paulsboro continues Wednesday.
Pumping operations resumed at approximately 11:15 a.m. The breached rail car will be filled with acetone to mix with the vinyl chloride to make the product safe and easier to remove.
“We are working as safely and quickly as possible to move through the progression of this cleanup and get the Paulsboro community back to normal,” said Capt. Kathy Moore, the Coast Guard incident commander. “More than 200 technical experts and responders are working on the incident and we’re assembling the specialized equipment and resources we need to complete operations.”
http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/1653447/
what else can I say but “Wow!??” Should I be shocked .. yes. This has disrupted so many people . .far beyond those evacuated. I think people deserve answers and information. I know I’m not the only one. Guess we will find out what they decided to report tomorrow . .since the press is limited and cannot report everything.
This whole situation has gotten way out of hand as far as I am concerned. These officials and so called specialist are treating the residents health problems with mimimal concern. I am suffering from respiratory and skin burning problems. On my way to Underwood today, again. Went to my primary as instructed and she would not even touch or examine me, she advised I go back to the hospital. I am a human being, not a ping pong ball! Feeling real hopeless and feed up with the political and offical game play. We deserve justice…I anyone willing to take this journey to justice with me?
Hi Karen Caston, so sorry to hear that you have taken ill. I did a post last night on the so called meeting. I would keep documenting everything Dr’s visits, hospitals.( keep those records in a safe place) Do a journal everyday on how this chemical spill has changed your life. I am sure there will be a class action suit with the residents.
Keep checking back on this site for updates.. I will dig for information online.
Your words are not in vain. I have wrote to Gov Christie’s office on why he has remained silent. Why his voice has neglected this situation.
I have called this number and because I am not a resident, I cannot receive any information. You might want to try it.
1-800-230-7049
God bless.
spellbound84
Found this government website about vinyl chloride . . interesting information:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=280&tid=51
http://www.epa.gov/ttnatw01/hlthef/vinylchl.html
As I research, there are a ton of sites posted by the EPA, medical institutions through studies on humans and animals, and general information. I dont know the levels that were released into the air or water, that is something I will have to continue to research. As with any chemical, it depends on the level of exposure for potential medical problems.
The gov’t. runs on silence. They figure the less they speak the sooner the people will give up. Don’t be silenced. Be the squeaky wheel!
Rising levels of vinyl chloride were detected by air monitors in the days after a rail bridge collapsed on Friday, derailing seven of the 82 Conrail freight-train cars crossing the Mantua Creek. The cars toppled into the waterway, which feeds into the Delaware River near Philadelphia.
A gash in one of the cars allowed the leak of more than 12,000 gallons (45,425 liters) of vinyl chloride, authorities said at the time of the wreck.
In recent days, detection of higher levels of the toxic chemical prompted the shutdown of schools on Monday and a second wave of home evacuations on Tuesday, bringing to 148 the total number of homes ordered evacuated.
The rail bridge is near the residential and commercial sections of the town of 6,100 people, which is also home to two oil refineries as well as chemical plants.
Conrail is jointly owned by rail operators CSX Corp and Norfolk Southern Corp.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/06/usa-train-derailment-idUSL1E8N5AOA20121206
Health Effects of Vinyl Chloride Gases, Smells,Odors – US EPA / ATSDR information
Persons exposed only to vinyl chloride gas pose no risk of secondary contamination. Persons whose clothing or skin is contaminated with pressurized liquid vinyl chloride can secondarily contaminate rescuers by direct contact or through off-gassing of vapor.
At all ambient temperatures, vinyl chloride is an extremely flammable and potentially explosive gas that is heavier than air. It has a mild, sweet odor, but odor is not an adequate warning of hazardous concentrations.
Inhalation is the major route of vinyl chloride exposure; absorption is rapid and nearly complete. Gastrointestinal absorption is unlikely as vinyl chloride is a gas at room temperature. Dermal absorption is negligible.
Inhalation is the primary route of exposure, and vinyl chloride is readily absorbed from the lungs. Its odor threshold is too high to provide an adequate warning of hazardous concentrations. The odor of vinyl chloride becomes detectable at around 3,000 ppm and the OSHA PEL is 1 ppm (8-hour TWA). Therefore, workers can be overexposed to vinyl chloride without being aware of its presence. A 5-minute exposure to airborne concentrations of 8,000 ppm can cause dizziness.
As airborne levels increase to 20,000 ppm, effects can include drowsiness, loss of coordination, visual and auditory abnormalities, disorientation, nausea, headache, and burning or tingling of the extremities. Exposure to higher concentrations of vinyl chloride for longer durations can cause death, presumably due to central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory depression. The gas is heavier than air and can cause asphyxiation in poorly ventilated or enclosed spaces.
Children exposed to the same levels of vinyl chloride as adults may receive a larger dose because they have greater lung surface area:body weight ratios and increased minute volumes:weight ratios. In addition, they may be exposed to higher levels than adults in the same location because of their short stature and the higher levels of vinyl chloride found nearer to the ground.
http://inspectapedia.com/sickhouse/Vinyl_Chloride_EPA_Info.htm
Hi Ceri, thanks for checking back. I see I wrote enough posts about this, the search engines are linking me up.
The residents got the run around last night like I have also, No emails from party’s contacted. There had to be dangerous levels for them to be evacuated. Should be considered a toxic site now.
sp84
Well . .Im thinking its a good thing we have kept this situation as a hot topic and you are being linked in the search engines. .dont you think? I’m sorry no one has contacted you back – I suppose they think that you have enough information posted here? LOL
Ahhh . . I truly believe in keeping people informed ..without scaring the bejeebezees out of them!
Man, me and spellbound need to talk after I leave this hotel and get access to my 4GB of data on the leaders of my town & county…
Hi PWS, are you one of the ppl displaced?
I expose the truth here. I am just a small blog now but use to write on a much larger one. I learned how to take corruption serious.
These ppl are being neglected by local, state and at federal levels.
Chemical spill with health implications. Will these ppl be able to go back to their homes? Since the gas is colorless could be all over the exterior and interior of their residence.
Then, there is the animals that use the creek for habitat.
sp84
Great Editorial.
Paulsboro spill: Predictable, preventable: Editorial
( this is the end conclusion, go to link at bottom for complete reading}
And then there are these questions:
• Why were employees miles away allowed to override a signal — apparently working properly — meant to warn crews when the swing bridge wasn’t fully closed?
• Why didn’t Conrail close the bridge after a dozen “trouble tickets” in the past month?
• Was the 84-car train carrying too much weight for the antique bridge to bear?
Conrail officials say they’re cooperating with the investigation, but won’t comment on the facts until it’s over.
The earliest reports show the derailment didn’t have to happen. A result of mechanical failures and human error, the danger was forewarned and predictable.
Conrail’s costliest decision might be the $100,000-a-year cost-cutting move to replace employees, who were trained to troubleshoot the bridge’s problems, with a computer. How many millions has it cost so far? Lasting costs to health and the environment have yet to be tallied. And hundreds of residents are still waiting to go home.
Inspections of the aging rail infrastructure — the responsibility of the companies that own the rails and bridges — must be more frequent and reliable. And decisions to override the railroad’s own safeguards can’t be so easy.
To restore public confidence in the safety of these trains and their cargo, nothing less than a complete overhaul — starting with the Mantua Creek bridge — will do.
http://blog.nj.com/njv_editorial_page/2012/12/paulsboro_spill_predictable_pr.html
just off phone with my dad .. as promised ..
he said for all chemicals and products, there are of course sheets called MSDS’s . .
it is required by the govt. to include many things such as hazards, treatments, and handling. These information sheets are to be done for all substances, from ketchup to vinyl chloride. so, if you go to any search engine and punch in vinyl chloride MSDS, up comes all pertinent information.
Contact via e-mail please… if the blog operator doesn’t give you my e-mail let me know. Yes displaced and predicted this in 2010, in writing to the USACE and more.
Paulsboro resident sues over derailment
The first lawsuit over last week’s train derailment and chemical spill in Paulsboro, New Jersey, was filed just before the first evacuees stepped back into their homes.
On Thursday, a resident filed suit in Camden District Court seeking $10 million dollars from the rail companies.
The Paulsboro woman has developed a bad cough says her lawyer, Mitchell Kaye. He’s making a case for $150,000 for her injuries and $10 million in damages “to awaken the railroad,” he says, “to the completely outrageous behavior on their part.”
Kaye says early details from the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation suggest the rail operators made mistakes.
In any case, the results were disastrous: a freight train derailed as it crossed a bridge and released hazardous vinyl chloride gas into the air.
Conrail spokesman Michael Hotra declined to comment on the specifics of the case.
“We will address the litigation at the appropriate time. Today our focus is on helping residents assess the air quality at their homes and provide assistance,” Hotra said.
On Friday afternoon, law enforcement officers started escorting residents of the 150 households evacuated after the accident back to their homes.
http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/health-science/item/48071-first-lawsuit-filed-over-paulsboro-wreck?Itemid=248
Paulsboro new jersey chemical leak makes no sense
The Paulsboro new jersey chemical leak from the derailed trains makes little sense. If this happened 50 years back when companies were not aware of and did not comprehend the risks of chemical exposure that would be slightly more understandable. But in late 2012–how could Paulsboro residents be victimized like this.
So many people were sickened by this and school children were on lock down. Was this a problem with the tracks? The bridge? Paulsboro nj residents need to understand why they were exposed to these chemicals. They are entitled to answers.
Maybe a third world country but not New Jersey, not Paulsboro. We all need the truth.
Lieberman & Blecher practices environmental law in New Jersey. http://Www.liebermaWww.liebermanblecher.comnblecher.com
http://njenvlaw.blogspot.com/
Paulsboro Residents Return ( Video)
One week after the train derailment, some evacuated Paulsboro residents are back in their homes.
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/video/#!/news/local/Paulsboro-Residents-Return/182631881
You may find me on facebook, Patrick W. Schubert Sr.
Patrick . .were you asking me to contact you? Or another blogger? I will be happy to send my email . .cgalati@mattioni.com
Derailment and Spill Cleanup Continues, Slowly, in Paulsboro, N.J.
Ten days after the bridge collapse and chemical leak (see related stories), the cleanup continues in Paulsboro, NJ.
In audio provided by the US Coast Guard, crews could be heard working to clear collapsed bridge pilings and debris that will allow the remaining tankers in the Mantua Creek to be offloaded and removed.
No vinyl chloride has been detected in the air since last Thursday, and all but 30 evacuees have been allowed to return home.
Paulsboro public schools are reopening tomorrow (Tuesday), while officials try to devise a way to make up more than a week of class days lost.
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2012/12/10/derailment-and-spill-cleanup-continues-slowly-in-paulsboro-n-j/
It should be deemed a Superfund site. Two are in Camden County.
I am learning about these in South Jersey. Land and Water Toxic Pollution.
New Jersey Superfund Site: Gems Landfill
Fight Air Pollution & Water Pollution With an Environmental Toxic Tort Lawsuit
Gems Landfill
New Jersey
Epa Region 2
Camden County
Gloucester Environmental Management Services, Inc. (GEMS) Landfill
Site Description
acre GEMS Landfill site has been owned by Gloucester Township
from at least the late 1950s to the present. During that time, the landfill has been operated
or solid, liquid, and hazardous wastes and substances.
Records indicate that a variety of industrial wastes including asbestos, solvents, and other
materials were disposed of at the GEMS site between 1970 and 1979. In 1980, sludge from
phia’s northeast wastewater treatment facility was disposed of at the site.
Analyses of the sludge revealed the presence of pesticides. The State closed the landfill in
1980. Scattered industrial and recreational areas are adjacent to the site. The closest
residences are approximately 300 feet from the base of the landfill. Approximately 6,000
people live within a mile of the site, and 38,000 people live within a 3
borders the eastern edge of the site and flows into Briar Lake off the
Threats and Contaminants
The site is contaminated with VOCs, heavy metals and trace amounts of pesticides
including DDE, DDD and DDT. The ground water beneath and near the site is also
contaminated with organics and inorganics from the site.
http://www.weitzlux.com/environmentallawsuit/newjersey/gemslandfill_146313.html