[TWIAR] Amateur Volunteers turn out in force for Train Derailment - Chemical Spill

[Greg Williams]

At 11:23 AM on Sunday, September 15 a Norfolk-Southern Railroad train with
commercial and military cargo derailed due to a suspected railway switch
malfunction.   Approximately 10,600 gallons of concentrated sulphuric acid
spilled out of one of the cars.  Some of the acid leaked into Ft. Loudoun
Lake along the Tennessee River.

The sulphuric acid reacted violently when in contact with the water, and was
considered "military grade".  Mandatory evacuation of all residents within a
1.3 mile radius began.  Those living up to 5 miles from the wreck were under
"recommended" status for evacuation.

Middle East Tennessee Emergency Radio Service, or METERS, was activated at
about 12:30 PM on the Radio Amateur Club of Knoxville, or RACK, repeater
system, which had 2 meter, 220, and 440 capabilities.  Also, nearby Blount
County activated their ARES net as the toxic cloud drifted south by the
prevailing winds.

There were several immediate concerns.  One was a bike tour sponsored by MS
which had bikers traveling near the affected area.  Ham operators assisting
with the MS Bike Tour event were alerted to the spill and Event personnel
proceeded to call off the remainder of the event, evacuating the few
remaining bike riders and having paramedics  check them for any symptoms of
contamination.

Red Cross shelters were set up and the Emergency Operations Center, or EOC,
for Knox and Blount Counties were activated.  Amateur Radio operations were
offered but not immediately needed for the emergency services overseeing the
situation, however the Red Cross did request ARES activation by
mid-afternoon due to overloaded phone lines and the need to communicate with
shelter workers.  All shelters in Knox and Blount Counties were stationed
with HAM operators throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

Initially, 4 shelters were opened up for the approximately 3,000 people
displaced by the derailment.  However, 2 of those shelters were closed down
by 9 PM as evacuees found places to stay for the night with friends and
relatives.

By 10PM the main office of the Red Cross shut down for the night and the one
remaining shelter in Knox County at a nearby high school was ready for the
overnight settlement of those who were stranded by the evacuation order.

Over the course of the 10-hour activation well over 50 hams checked in to
the METERS net and support from adjacent counties were offered in case there
was a need to continue with emergency traffic well into the early morning
hours.  Fortunately the extra assistance offered was not necessary.
Although VHF/UHF voice was primarily used, APRS was set up at Red Cross
headquarters in Knoxville as well as in the Blount County EOC and Blount
County's one shelter.

Support by the amateur community was commended by the Red Cross and all
amateurs were asked to stand down at about 10 PM Sunday Night.

Greg Williams, K4HSM
Emergency Coordinator
Knox County, Tennessee
k4hsm@lock-net.com