Why is a Hazardous Materials Spill/Industrial Accident a Threat to the City of Nacogdoches?...8-2

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1 Section 8: Hazardous Materials Spill/Industrial Accident Sectors: 1,2,3,4,5,6 Table of Contents Why is a Hazardous Materials Spill/Industrial Accident a Threat to the City of Nacogdoches? History of Hazardous Materials Spill/Industrial Accident in the City of Nacogdoches Table 8-1: Hazardous Materials Spill/Industrial Accident Events By Year.8-2 Risk Factors for Hazardous Materials Spill/Industrial Accident Hazardous Materials Spill/Industrial Accident Terminology Hazardous Materials Spill/Industrial Accident Acronyms Hazard Assessment Community Hazardous Materials Spill/Industrial Accident Issues Hazardous Materials Spill/Industrial Accident Mitigation Activities Hazardous Materials Spill/Industrial Accident Mitigation Action Items Map 8-1: Toxic Release Inventory Sites (TRIs) Map 8-2: Regulated Waste Facilities Map 8-3: Leaking Petroleum Storage Tank Sites Map 8-4: HazMat Transportation Routes

2 Why is a Hazardous Materials Spill/Industrial Accident a Threat to the City of Nacogdoches? Each day, hazardous materials are transported by train and truck through the City of Nacogdoches. Some of these hazardous materials are delivered to local industries. In the event of a major accident resulting in a hazardous materials spill, proper procedures by first responders is critical to ensuring the public safety. A majority of the hazardous materials passing through the city can cause health problems when inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Some of them may even cause death. History Over the past 24 years, there have been numerous hazardous material spills from trucking accidents, train derailments, and chemical leaks within the City of Nacogdoches. The following Table 8-1 lists these accidents by year. Table 8-1: Hazardous Materials Spill/Industrial Accident Events By Year Year Description of Event 1974 Train Derailment 1974 Gas Truck Accident 1978 Train Derailment/Chemical Fire 1979 HazMat Truck Accident 1979 HazMat Truck Accident 1980 Truck Accident/Chemical Spill 1980 HazMat Truck Accident 1983 Chemical Leak in Hospital 1983 Fumigant Smoke Bombs at SFASU 1984 Industrial Fire 1984 Chemical Leak 1990 Propane Explosion 1990 Gas Station Fire 1991 Chemical Leak 1993 HazMat Truck Accident 1994 Truck Fuel Spill 1995 Industrial Fire 1996 HazMat Truck Accident 1997 Train Derailment/Chemical Leak 2001 HazMat Truck Accident 2002 HazMat Truck Accident 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia Accident Source: City of Nacogdoches Archival Data CITY OF NACOGDOCHES HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILL/INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT SECTION 8-2

3 On February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia exploded in the skies over the City of Nacogdoches. The City successfully implemented pertinent sections of its Emergency Management Plan to provide direction to Nacogdoches citizens on the possible exposure to hazardous chemicals associated with the debris. Handling procedures were broadcast via local television, radio, the City s website and the City s Emergency Phone Bank to ensure the safety and protection of area residents. In addition, public safety personnel were immediately dispatched to guard debris until proper retrieval by federal authorities could occur. The City s response and ultimate cooperation with state and federal authorities reflected its preparedness to handle large-scale disasters involving multiple jurisdictions. Risk Factors for Hazardous Materials Spill/Industrial Accident There are currently thirteen EPA-regulated Toxic Release Inventory (TRIs), twenty-five hazardous waste handlers, and twelve leaking petroleum storage tank sites located in or near the City of Nacogdoches. Each of these locations has been identified and is included in Maps 8-1, 8-2 and 8-3 at the end of this section. In addition to these known hazardous locations, the NHMPC conducted an informal study of hazardous materials transporters. Strategically located at different points throughout the city, volunteers recorded all vehicles and tank cars that displayed a hazardous materials warning placard. Approximately 170 vehicles and 65 rail tank cars were identified in an eight hour time period. Another important consideration for hazardous materials in the City of Nacogdoches surrounds the poultry industry. Nacogdoches County is ranked third in the State of Texas for the production of poultry waste. According to the 1997 Census of Agriculture, over 907 poultry houses produce an estimated 390,000 tons of waste each year. Pilgrims Pride, Inc. is the sole processing plant for Nacogdoches County and is located inside the city limits adjacent to LaNana Creek. Potential hazards at this location include pollution of ground water and improper disposal of dead poultry. Hazardous Materials Spill/Industrial Accident Terminology Hazardous Material A substance in a quantity or form posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety and/or property when manufactured, stored or transported in commerce. A substance which by its nature, containment and reactivity has the capability for inflicting harm during an accidental occurrence, characterized as being toxic, corrosive, flammable, reactive, an irritant or a strong sensitizer and, thereby, posing a threat to health and the environment when improperly managed. CITY OF NACOGDOCHES HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILL/INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT SECTION 8-3

4 Hazardous Materials Warning Placards - The U.S. Department of Transportation employs a labeling and placarding system for identifying the types of hazardous materials that are transported along the nation's highways, railways and waterways. This system enables local emergency officials to identify the nature and potential health threat of chemicals being transported into a community. Were a chemical accident to occur in a community, local emergency officials and the fire department would be able to determine the proper emergency response procedures for the situation by the type of placard or warning label. Hazardous Materials Spill/Industrial Accident Acronyms EMC - Emergency Management Coordinator Hazmat - hazardous materials TxDOT Texas Department of Transportation Texas DPS DEM State of Texas Department of Public Safety Division of Emergency Management CITY OF NACOGDOCHES HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILL/INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT SECTION 8-4

5 Hazard Assessment Approximately 22 events involving hazardous materials and/or industrial accidents have occurred over the past 29 years resulting in a 75% frequency. These events place the health and safety of the citizens of Nacogdoches at risk and thus have propelled hazardous material spills and industrial accidents to the number 3 ranking of identified hazards. CITY OF NACOGDOCHES HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILL/INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT SECTION 8-5

6 Community Hazardous Materials Spill/Industrial Accident Issues All sectors of the city can potentially be at risk for a hazardous materials spill. Residential areas located near railroads and major traffic routes are more frequently exposed to transporters of hazardous materials. In addition, areas around major industry are at elevated risk levels. Damages resulting from a hazardous materials spill or an Industrial accident include, but are not limited to the following: Health Persons exposed to the hazardous materials may experience health problems requiring medical attention Loss of Life Damage to Property If the hazardous material is absorbed into the soil, it may be removed; causing damage to property Fire - many hazardous materials are combustible or flammable Displacement Evacuation of areas may be required to ensure safety of the citizens CITY OF NACOGDOCHES HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILL/INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT SECTION 8-6

7 Hazardous Materials Spill/Industrial Accident Mitigation Activities The following mitigation activities have been performed or are currently in progress to reduce the threat to lives and property during a hazardous materials spill or industrial accident. All of these activities are listed in Annex Q of the City s Emergency Management Plan. Performed a chemical hazard analysis to identify the types and quantities of hazardous materials present in the community at fixed sites or on transportation routes, potential release situations and possible impact on the local population. A database of hazardous materials (hazmat) inventories at local regulated facilities is maintained by the Fire Department. Identified local hazmat transportation routes. (Map 8-4) The Fire Inspector and City of Nacogdoches Inspections Department will perform periodic inspections of facilities that make, use or store hazardous chemicals. The City of Nacogdoches Planning Department monitors land use and zoning regulations to ensure local officials are made aware of plans to build or expand facilities that make, use or store hazardous chemicals so the potential impact of such facilities can be assessed and minimized. Developed and conducted public education programs on chemical hazards and related protective actions. Trained emergency personnel to level commensurate with hazmat response duties and provided appropriate personal protective equipment. Identified emergency response resources for hazmat incidents. Developed standard operating procedures for hazmat response and recovery. Obtained hazmat release modeling software and trained personnel in its use. Met periodically with regulated facilities and known hazmat transporters to ensure that company and local emergency plans are CITY OF NACOGDOCHES HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILL/INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT SECTION 8-7

8 coordinated to the extent possible and that emergency contact information is kept up to date. Code of Ordinances In an effort to reduce the likelihood of contact between trucks carrying hazardous materials and the citizens of Nacogdoches, the City adopted Article IX. Vehicular Transportation of Dangerous Materials to its Code of Ordinances. This article designates nine specific routes that trucks carrying hazardous materials through the City must take. Enforcement of this ordinance will reduce the amount of exposure to hazardous materials in our neighborhoods and heavily traveled business districts. CITY OF NACOGDOCHES HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILL/INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT SECTION 8-8

9 Hazardous Materials Spill/Industrial Accident Mitigation Action Items ST-HI#1: Develop reporting requirements to monitor hazardous materials being transported by railway. Implementation: Coordinate with railway carriers to create a reporting system. Develop and maintain a current database for carrier contact information. Encourage state elected officials to enact legislation requiring all rail carriers to register hazardous materials before entering the City. Coordinating Authority: City of Nacogdoches Texas DPS-DEM Railroad Commission Timeline: Short Term 1-2 Years MAP Goals Addressed: Protection of Life and Property Emergency Services City Sectors Affected: 1,4,5 Cost: $1,000-$5,000 Potential Funding Source: OB, Grants ST-HI#2: Enforce the use of Loop 224 for transportation of all hazardous materials per City Ordinance. Implementation: Coordinate with TxDOT to place additional signage at all major entrances to the City identifying Loop 224 as the transportation route for hazardous materials. Set up waves for police officers to ensure enforcement of the City s current Ordinance. Keep records of all violations to the City s current Ordinance. Work with local business and industry to identify the best routes for incoming deliveries. CITY OF NACOGDOCHES HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILL/INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT SECTION 8-9

10 Coordinating Authority: City of Nacogdoches Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Department of Transportation Local Business & Industry Timeline: 1-2 Years, or as funding becomes available MAP Goals Addressed: Protection of Life and Property Emergency Services Public Awareness City Sectors Affected: 1,2,3,4,5,6 Cost: $10,000-$25,000 Potential Funding Source: OB CITY OF NACOGDOCHES HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILL/INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT SECTION 8-10

11 Map 8-1 CITY OF NACOGDOCHES HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILL/INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT SECTION 8-11

12 Map 8-2 CITY OF NACOGDOCHES HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILL/INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT SECTION 8-12

13 Map 8-3 CITY OF NACOGDOCHES HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILL/INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT SECTION 8-13

14 Map 8-4 CITY OF NACOGDOCHES HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILL/INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT SECTION 8-14