(The following report appeared on The Register-Guard website on February 11, 2009.)
EUGENE, Ore. — Nearly two dozen Eugene firefighters hustled to the Union Pacific railyard off Bethel Drive late Tuesday after a railroad official reported that hydrochloric acid was leaking from a railroad car.
The leak caused a small cloud to appear above the car, and prompted fire officials to set up a 250-foot “exclusion zone” around the site, fire department spokesman Glen Potter said.
The cloud ultimately dissipated, and no one was hurt, Potter said.
The leak was reported at 9:09 p.m. Some firefighters remained on the scene until nearly 2 a.m. Thursday. Union Pacific’s hazardous-materials response team directed the cleanup effort.
Potter said investigators believe the acid may have leaked from a railroad car hatch that was missing a bolt.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, short-term inhalation of hydrochloric acid may cause eye, nose and respiratory tract irritation. Prolonged exposure can cause serious problems.