NY Firefighters Tackle Chemical Leak from Rail Car

BETHLEHEM, NY—A chemical leaked from a rail car Tuesday morning at the SABIC Innovative Chemicals facility in Selkirk, releasing a foul smell into the air, spurring Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to send state resources to assist on the scene and pushing town officials to declare a state of emergency.

The escaping gas prompted emergency workers to evacuate nearby homes and businesses. Firefighters poured water on the tanker to keep the car cool and prevent further leaks once a valve was sealed.

Officials said the chemical that was leaking was styrene, a monomer used in the manufacturing of plastics. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration says styrene may cause headache, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, and drowsiness.

The leak lasted for about an hour but officials were unsure how much of the chemical escaped.

No injuries were reported, Police Commander Adam Hornick said.

The leak was stopped after the pressure in the tank was stabilized, according to state Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos.

“We’ll be here for the entire day, getting on top of this, understanding how best to achieve a long term control,” he said.

The governor's office says a safety release valve on a stationary train car at the plant released styrene monomer, a chemical additive used in the manufacturing of plastics.

"While this is an evolving situation, it is currently under control, and we will continue coordinating with local officials and mobilize any resources necessary to protect the health and safety of New Yorkers in the affected area," the governor said in a prepared statement.

Bethlehem Supervisor David VanLuven declared the state of emergency that could remain in effect for 30 days. The order means that town officials have the authority to close roads and implement evacuations. The order also directs all town departments and agencies "to take whatever steps necessary to protect life and property, public infrastructure, and provide such emergency assistance as is deemed necessary."

Throughout the day, Route 32 was closed to traffic, along with Creble Road at Elm Avenue and Creble Road at Old School Road.

Based in Saudi Arabia, SABIC is one of the largest petrochemical manufacturers in the world, according to the company's website.

The plant manager for the SABIC's local facility said the gas leaked for about an hour.

"SABIC stopped the venting and is now cooling the railcar with water to minimize the risk of further venting," Liz Vitaliano said. "We are monitoring the air quality of the perimeter of the railyard and are working closely with local and state response authorities to address the situation."

"Styrene vapor has a prominent smell and we apologize for the odor our communities are experiencing."

Will Waldron and Wendy Liberatore contributed to this article.

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