Capsized Barge Leaks Sulfuric Acid
Chemical Workers Evacuate
POSTED: 11:17 a.m. CST November 6, 2003
UPDATED: 2:34 p.m. CST November 6, 2003
TEXAS CITY, Texas -- A leaking, capsized barge forced an evacuation around the Texas City Harbor Thursday afternoon, News2Houston reported.
Crews with the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and the Coast Guard were trying to upright the vessel, which carried 235,000 gallons of sulfuric acid when it capsized Monday night.
During the cleanup process, the sulfuric acid had a chemical reaction with water, causing a bulge to form from a buildup of hydrogen gas.
Chemical companies within a half-mile radius of the barge were evacuated as a precaution.
Officials are using fire hoses to spray water on the barge.
"The water (being sprayed) on the barge is not actually to cool the barge down, but it's to prevent any gasses that might escape from going anywhere. It's a safety barrier," Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Adam Wine said. "At this time, there has been no reading or indication of any toxic fumes coming from the barge."
The Texas City Independent School District kept its students indoors. No schools are within the immediate area of the barge.
Authorities are monitoring air and water quality.
No injuries have been reported, authorities said.
The Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit in Galveston is investigating the cause of the accident.
The barge was operated by Martin Product Sales LLC of Kilgore.
>>...Officials are using fire hoses to spray water on the barge....<<
Now lessee...it has a reaction with water.....and they're putting water on it...... Oooooh kaaay.