Martinez Tribune The website of the Martinez Tribune.
Minor derailment a ‘near miss’
By DANNY YOEONO & HANNAH HATCH
Martinez Tribune
MARTINEZ, Calif. – Early Wednesday morning, train cars carrying several hundred tons of sulfuric acid derailed near the waterbird preserve just west of the Benicia-Martinez bridge.
Francisco J. Castillo Jr. from Union Pacific Railroad told the Tribune the derailed cars were delivered by Union Pacific to Eco Services, a sulfuric acid regeneration company in Martinez, on Monday, Jan. 18, for Eco Services’ use.
It is unclear as of presstime whether the cars were headed to Shell Martinez or Tesoro to be used in oil refining, back to Eco Services, or on their way to another destination.
The accident is currently under investigation with assistance from Union Pacific.
The cars that derailed were a part of a cut of 20 cars in the process of being moved by an “industry lead,” or sorting tracks used to move cars to a departure yard. Castillo pointed out the incident did not occur on Union Pacific tracks.
First responders and the Hazmat team from both Contra Costa County and more locally came to the scene of the derailment to ensure public safety, a number one priority.
Considering the location of the derailment, close to the McNabney Waterbird Regional Preserve, the sum of three 100 ton cars full of 90 percent sulfuric acid would be disastrous to the community and its ecology. In liquid form, sulfuric acid causes skin irritation, and as a vapor in the air is a breathing hazard. However, no leaks were reported, notably because none of the cars fell farther than a 45 degree angle and the acid release valves were located at the top of the cars. Additionally, an air monitor test was conducted and no sulfuric acid was detected to have escaped.
Todd Hickman from Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials stated: “As long as the acid stays inside the cars, there is no risk to the public or environment.”
Passenger trains were temporarily delayed due to the initial risk of leakage but soon returned to reduced speeds around the accident.
