NATIONAL RESPONSE TEAM

Of The National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan

G-OPF 2100 2nd St. S.W., Washington, DC 20593-0001

Train Derailed

Occurrence Date:

15 September

Location:

Boyd, TN
NRC Report Number:   623001, 622978

Source:

Railroad Tank Car

Material:

Sulfuric Acid

Severity:

Unknown

Quantity Discharged:

3,300 Gallons

Quantity in Water:

None

Body of Water Affected:

Tennessee River

Federal On-Scene Coordinator:

EPA Region IV
Description:

At 11:25 15 September 2002 in Boyd, Tennessee a Norfolk Southern freight train had a derailment of 2 locomotives and 25 rail cars. One of the derailed cars was a tank car carrying 9,000 gallons of Sulfuric Acid. Due to the derailment the tank car ruptured causing 3,300 gallons of it's contents to release. The vapor cloud caused by the spill forced 7,000 citizens from the nearby city of Boyd to be evacuated to Red Cross facilities in the area. The Tennessee River was closed for several miles due to the vapor cloud. No other rail cars were reported to be carrying any hazardous materials. Also no injuries or fatalities were reported. EPA region four, a member of the Coast Guard Gulf Strike team, and local agencies are on scene addressing the situation. CASE PENDS.