These reports describe significant environmental incidents reported to and tracked by the National Response Center. They reflect both new incidents and follow-up information describing actions taken for previously reported events. The NRC publishes Incident Summary Reports periodically upon receipt of documentary information from the Federal On-Scene Coordinator.
| NRC Case #: | 009-97 |
|---|---|
| INSUM #: | One |
| Occurence Date: | 20 March 1997 |
| Location: | Hahnville, LA |
| Source: | Unknown |
| Material: | Unknown |
| Severity: | Unknown |
| Quantity Discharged: | Unknown |
| Quantity in Water: | Unknown |
| Body of Water Affected: | Mississippi River: Mile Marker 130 |
| Federal On-Scene Coordinator: | Marine Safety Office New Orleans, LA |
SITUATION: On Monday, March 20, 1997, the National Response Center received two reports involving an estimated 140 to 160 wayward barges on the Mississippi River between MM115 and MM130. Some of the barges are reported as striking loading docks in Hahnville, LA. The first involved a release of Anhydrous Ammonia, and the second involved a release of Sodium Hydroxide. All the hazardous material released at this time is reported as being from the loading docks(residual in the transfer lines). The cargo on the barges is reported as being grain, scrap iron, caustic and soy bean. MSO New Orleans has closed the river between this location. The Ammonia release caused an alarm at the nearby Waterford Nuclear Power Plant. No radioactive material has been released. At approximately 0444 this date, a Coast Guard helo reported that 75 to 80 percent of the barges have been rounded up. MSO New Orleans continues to monitor the situation. CASE PENDS.