Chemical Spill; Shreveport, Louisiana

Shreveport, Louisiana | 1999-Jul-10

Initial Notification: Shortly after 0600 on July 10, 1999, there was a train incident resulting in a chemical spill into the Red River just north of the I20 Bridge at Shreveport, Louisiana. The chemical released was 2-ethyl hexanol. An estimated 19,000 gallons entered the Red River. Near this location were a number of active riverboat casinos. The first responders (State Police, Sheriff's department, and USCG reservists who live in Shreveport) took the initiative to shelter in-place and deploy a boom. A preliminary action level of 20 ppm was established by the State. The highest measured concentration was 7 ppm. Responders were required to be in Level C with full-face respirators. Weather at the time of the incident was light winds south to southwest at 5 to 10 knots. There is a 60% chance of thunder showers July 10, but are expected to decrease to 40% on July 11 and 12. The Red River is currently at 17.3 feet and slowly falling. USCG district 8. Keyword: boom.