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DEC Contact: Kevin Frazier (518) 402-8000 September 02, 2020
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STATEMENT FROM NYS DEC COMMISSIONER SEGGOS ON STATE’S ONGOING RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL RELEASE AT SABIC INNOVATIVE CHEMICALS FACILITY, SELKIRK, NY |
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Emergency and Spills Response personnel from DEC, the State Office of Emergency Management, State Police, the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and local partners have stabilized the release of styrene monomer from a stationary train car at the SABIC Innovative Chemicals facility in Selkirk, NY, with assistance of experts from CSX Transportation. Local road closures have been lifted and businesses within the half-mile radius can reopen. To ensure this hazardous chemical remains at a safe temperature, emergency response personnel have been continuously cooling the tanker car with water while monitoring the tank’s internal temperature and air pressure utilizing aerial drone technology. In consultation with the State Department of Health, Emergency response personnel are taking all necessary precautions to protect public health and the environment. DEC Spill Response professionals, Emergency Management personnel, and Law Enforcement officers remain on the scene to monitor for potential impacts and support ongoing mitigation operations. A review of a network of nine air monitors deployed around the site during the incident report levels of this chemical are far below health advisory levels. |
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