Case Study of the Macdona, Texas UP Derailment and Chlorine Release

A detailed review of the multi-agency response to a train collision and derailment near San Antonio, TX resulting in the sudden release of 60 tons of chlorine, the largest chlorine transportation release in U.S. history.  Key points include initial lack of information, command conflicts and mutual aid failures, multiple fatalities, hospitalization of many initial first responders, health and safety challenges, successful use of ICS by EPA, unique mitigation techniques, Emergency Response Review and lessons learned.  Presentation materials include photos, audio and narrative from the front line of the response, led by the presenter upon his arrival as the EPA On-Scene Coordinator. 

Learning Objectives:   

Able to identify hazards to responders in chaotic and uncontrolled environments, beginning with lack of information

Able to articulate the complexities of an integrated response structure and the need for all potential responders to be fluent in ICS

Able to articulate lessons learned and use them in your own planning and preparedness effort