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CSX Railcar Sulfuric Acid Release

 
Site Contact:
Keith Paciga
On-Scene Coordinator

(paciga.keith@epa.gov)

Site Location:
20 Rigby Road
South Portland, ME 04106
scribenet.response.epa.gov/CSXRailcarSulfuricAcidRelease
NRC#: 1429803

Background:

Rigby Yard is a classification yard in South Portland, Maine, operated by Pan Am Railways, a subsidiary of CSX Transportation. It was originally constructed between 1922 and 1923 on the site of the former Rigby Park.

At approximately 6:30 am on April 30th, CSX Transportation reported a release from a railcar containing sulfuric acid. The release occurred in United States Coast Guard (USCG) response zone, EPA coordinated with USCG due to the release being a hazardous chemical to offer support.

What Has Been Done to Cleanup the Site?

The investigation showed that the release was coming from the manifold, which was inside the protective dome on the top center of the railcar. The cleanup contractor was able to secure the release of the railcar to prevent further release of sulfuric acid. 

What is the Current Site Status?

No further EPA activity is expected, as the release has been mitigated. No injuries were reported and there is no risk to the public at this time.