Tuesday, August 10, 1999
Spill chokes off Ohio River traffic
Gas threatens water supplies
The Associated Press
Workers try to contain a gasoline spill on the Ohio River Monday.
(AP photo)
| ZOOM |
|
MOUNT VERNON, Ind. — A barge collision spilled gasoline into the Ohio River on Monday, closing the waterway to traffic and forcing downstream communities to stop drawing water from the river.
The collision along this city involved four barges loaded with gasoline and another barge carrying cumene, a chemical. Two stricken barges leaked an undetermined amount gasoline into the river, said William MacKenzie, chief warrant officer for the Coast Guard in Louisville.
It was not immediately known whether any cumene spilled. The chemical can irritate eyes and skin and cause respiratory problems.
No injuries were reported.
The Coast Guard closed off the river while authorities developed a cleanup plan.
“If you contain gasoline, you create a large pool that is an extreme fire hazard,” Mr. MacKenzie said. “One option may be to allow it to evaporate.”
Downriver communities that rely on the river for water supplies were quickly notified of the collision. Mount Vernon, a city of about 7,000 that relies on Ohio River water, closed its intake valves Monday morning. “We're waiting for it to pass,” said Wanda Bennett, an employee at the Mount Vernon Water Works.
A team of Coast Guard environmentalists was dispatched to the scene, along with other state and federal officials, Mr. MacKenzie said.
The barges carrying the gasoline are owned by Waxler Towing Co. of Memphis, Tenn., Mr. MacKenzie said. The cumene barge is owned by Ashland Inc.
Spill chokes off Ohio River traffic
Skating craze spawns demand for new parks
No lines, no licking
Pleasant Ridge man held in death of library volunteer
ATP not all tennis; some parties do happen
Case for at-large judges pushed
Changing area codes a nuisance
Developer sues Mason planners
It erred, but bank wants its money
Judge orders hacker to make 'token' restitution to victims
Kentucky nuclear workers to get help
Lottery players yawned at Red Ball
Murder charge upgraded in Warren County killing
Paper terrorism alleged at trial
Physicist UC vice president
Plea out for blood donors
School crisis training is open
Send us your ideas on tax surplus
An electronic remedy for carsickness?
Memories fill books
Monroe's Doty says council days over
New equal-opportunity chief for city
OSHA to investigate death in grain silo accident
Scaring up success
Social need answered at Talbert
State schools chief seeks better ties with districts
Technician discovers child porn
GET TO IT
TRISTATE DIGEST
