Researchers Testing Better Way to Remove Oil From Seawater Source: Science Daily Can biosurfactants increase microbiological oil degradation in North Sea seawater? An international research team from the universities of Stuttgart und Tübingen, together with the China West Normal University and the University of Georgia, have been exploring this question and the results have revealed the potential for a more effective and environmentally friendly […] Written by Phil Ambrose September 21, 2023September 21, 2023
EPA Orders Forever Chemical Testing, Focuses on HF Release The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued the third Toxic Substances Control Act test order requiring testing on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under EPA’s National PFAS Testing Strategy, the latest action taken under EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap to confront contamination from forever chemicals nationwide. This action orders the Chemours Company FC LLC, E. I. du […] Written by Phil Ambrose September 7, 2023September 7, 2023
Safety Board Tells Chemical Cos. Prepare for Hurricanes Following the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s recent outlook predicting above average activity for the remainder of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is urging the chemical industry to prepare for potentially more frequent and more powerful hurricanes and other extreme wind events in the months ahead. […] Written by Phil Ambrose August 31, 2023August 31, 2023
Study: Mobile and Stationary Air Monitoring Needed Post Derailment When chemical-laden freight train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio this past February, hazmat and environmental officials set off a controlled release and burn to avoid the cars’ contents setting off a catastrophic explosion. Researchers monitored air and water quality during and following that operation. In addition to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency monitoring, other air-monitoring […] Written by Phil Ambrose August 24, 2023August 24, 2023
Video: Popcorn Polymer Explosion Recreated from Investigation The U.S. Chemical Safety Board recently released a 15-minute video that details how and why a 2019 explosion and hazmat incident occurred. On Nov. 27, 2019, explosions and fires at the TPC Group Port Neches Operations facility chemical plant in Port Neches, Texas occurred when a piping section ruptured, releasing highly flammable butadiene that quickly […] Written by Phil Ambrose August 18, 2023August 18, 2023
Study Uncovers Cross-Border Hazmat Trade Violations When you hear about illegal border crossings, you probably don’t think about hazardous materials — but you should. New research shows that an alarming amount of dangerous chemicals are illegally transported, despite strict rules regarding their movement. According to Science Daily, researchers from China and Switzerland analyzed public trade data from the United Nations Comtrade […] Written by Phil Ambrose August 10, 2023August 11, 2023
Report: 5 Key Findings from 2019 Tank Farm Explosion, Fire The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board released its final investigation report on the 2019 tank farm fire at the Intercontinental Terminals Company, LLC (ITC) bulk liquid storage terminal in Deer Park, Texas. The massive fire caused substantial property damage, significantly impacted the environment, and led to the issuance of several shelter-in-place orders that […] Written by Phil Ambrose August 3, 2023August 3, 2023
Investigation: Lack of Training a Factor in Fatal Plant Explosion In late June, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board released its final investigation report on the 2020 propylene release and explosion at the Watson Grinding facility in Houston, Texas, that fatally injured two workers and a nearby resident and damaged hundreds of neighboring homes. The CSB’s final report highlights two key safety issues: […] Written by Phil Ambrose July 20, 2023July 20, 2023
Hazmat Near Miss When Train Derails, Bridge Collapses Images: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency One of the more unusual hazmat calls involving rail lines this year happened in late June. While it is still not clear which happened first, a train carrying hazardous materials derailed and a bridge collapsed, plunging both into the Yellowstone River near Reed Point, Mont. Ten railcars went into the […] Written by Phil Ambrose July 13, 2023July 13, 2023