Barge Accident Results in Major Kerosene Spill
A 299-foot barge carrying 31,000 barrels, or 1.26 million gallons, of kerosene from New Jersey to New York struck a reef in the Hudson River. The reef was only five feet below the river's surface and ruptured three of the barge's eight holding tanks during the barge accident.
The Coast Guard has classified this as a major spill, as it spans over 2 miles. Kerosene evaporates quickly, so although the fuel used in lamps and heaters can have harmful effects, in this instance 80 percent of the kerosene evaporated within 48 hours. The Coast Guard commented, however, that most hazardous materials are not as simple to contain.
Further, the Coast Guard stated carriers of hazardous materials should be more observant, as this barge accident could have been avoided. The specific channel here was a third of a mile wide, and the reef was clearly marked by a buoy and was also indicated on navigational charts. The Hudson River accident was allegedly the result of inexperienced captains unfamiliar with the river because, in addition to the size of the channel, weather conditions were perfect.
Although experience and familiarity are learned through time and trial, the Department of Homeland security has implemented certain regulations for barge personnel, specifically those dealing with hazardous materials using Vapor Control Systems (VCS).
Basically, because barges often carry hazardous materials, the vapor space in the cargo tanks of barges must be handled in a certain manner, as many may contain high levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and/or Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
Regulations cover the following subjects:
1. Purpose of a stripping, gas-freeing;
2. Principles of the stripping, gas-freeing;
3. Components of the stripping, gas-freeing;
4. Hazards associated with the stripping, gas-freeing;
5. Special hazards associated with the accumulation and discharge of static electricity;
6. Coast Guard standards in this part; and
7. Operating procedures, including:
(a) Testing and inspection requirements;
(b) Pre-cleaning procedures;
(c) Chemicals approved for collection;
(d) Material safety data sheet review;
(e) Connection sequence;
(f) Start-up procedures;
(g) Safeguards to prevent static electricity discharge;
(h) Normal operations; and
(i) Emergency procedures.
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