(The Associated Press circulated the following story on November 8.)
AMES, Iowa — A Union Pacific rail tanker spilled phosphoric acid across much of Iowa late Saturday night.
A Union Pacific rail tanker spilled phosphoric acid across 11 counties in Iowa.
At least a quarter-inch of acid leaked onto the tracks in eleven Iowa counties from Cedar Rapids to Council Bluffs.
“This is one of the largest hazardous materials spills we’ve been involved with,” said Lori Morrissey, with the Story County Emergency Management.
KCCI’s Travis Graven reported that much of the acid has been absorbed or neutralized.
The trail of phosphoric acid leaves behind a visible mark. In some areas, sand still clings to the black, tar-like substance.
“Yeah, you can see where the acid was and it was absorbed by the sand,” Morrissey said. “This is a lot better today. It’s obviously dissipated quite a bit and soaked into the railroad bed itself.”
Phosphoric acid, which is black in color, has properties similar to battery acid and may burn the skin and eyes.
“You don’t want to be touching it. You don’t want to be breathing too close to it. So, you just want to stay away from it,” Morrissey said.
Iowa Department of Natural Resource officials advise anyone who comes into contact with the acid to seek medical help.
Local public works crews and emergency responders tried covering the acid at all crossings, making it safer for vehicles and pedestrians. The railroad sent a tanker across the state to spray the tracks with baking soda and water to neutralize the acid.
Officials said phosphoric acid, anhydrous ammonia, chlorine and many other hazardous chemicals are often transported through Iowa by rail.
“We always run the risk of some type of danger to the public because of the chemicals flowing through our county every day,” Morrissey said.
Morrissey said a quick response by emergency teams prevented injuries from this spill.
“It could have been a very dangerous situation, especially if the train would have stopped here. We would have had a larger rupture of a tanker car carrying that much material,” Morrissey said.
A Union Pacific Railroad spokesperson told KCCI that they’re not sure what caused the leak or how many total gallons of phosphoric acid might have spilled. The rail car holds nearly 13,000 gallons.
Crews inspected the main line on Monday and were spreading around lime. Union Pacific officials said the work is expected to take three to four days.
Officials with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources said there was not a big environmental threat from the spill and there won’t be any fine issued from the state.
Individual counties, including Story County, will bill Union Pacific for the costs involved in cleaning up the spill.