Styrene Rail Car Leak

Last Updated 10/2/24 at 1:00 p.m.


Updated Styrene Chemical Leak Fact Sheet - 9/26/24

Evacuation Information

Styrene Rail Car Leak
As of 6:26 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, the half-mile evacuation issued for ALL impacted communities has been LIFTED. Additional information can be found in the Updated Styrene Chemical Leak Fact Sheet attached above. 

Urgent Alert HC: Evacuation order issued for Whitewater Township has been LIFTED. Residents are now permitted to return home. Use caution & follow road signs. Tune into local media and check hcready.org for more information.  

Resource & Claims Information

Individuals can call 2-1-1 for information regarding the actions they can take when returning home.

Impacted residents which have questions regarding the submission of claims should contact the Central Railroad of Indiana at 1-800-757-7387.

Impacted businesses which have questions regarding the submission of claims should contact the Central Railroad of Indiana at 203-202-8920.

AIR Monitoring information

Throughout the incident on both September 24, and September 25, and following on September 26, 2024, air monitoring tests were conducted by both the Central Railroad of Indiana and the US EPA. The results from both entities indicate that no styrene has been detected in the air near the incident site. This mirrors preliminary reports given by the EPA that styrene was not detected in the air. The EPA is also supporting re-occupancy screenings, which provide residents in the evacuated area the ability to request air quality screenings by calling 211.

Results from the air monitoring tests can be accessed below.

Central Railroad of Indiana

 

The Central Railroad of Indiana Preliminary Air Monitoring Summary including air monitoring data for September 24, 2024, and September 25, 2024, can be accessed here. Additionally, the Central Railroad of Indiana Preliminary Air Monitoring Summary for September 25, 2024, and September 26, 2024, can be accessed hereCommunity Monitoring was conducted in residential and commercial locations immediately surrounding or near the incident site. 

US EPA

The US EPA coordinated air monitoring and sampling efforts to assess levels of organic vapor concentrations in the air in the areas surrounding the incident site. Handheld instruments were utilized to capture air monitoring data from roaming and stationary locations. Each portion of the data can be accessed below:

Greater Cincinnati Hazardous Materials UNit
The Greater Cincinnati Hazardous Materials Unit conducted air monitoring on 9/24/2024 related to the incident. Click here to view their results.

Cincinnati Fire Department
The Cincinnati Fire department conducted air monitoring related to the incident. Click here to view their results.

Hamilton County Public Health - Air monitoring and Risk of Contamination
On Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. Hamilton County Public Health presented on air monitoring and risk of contamination during the special session with Whitewater Township Board of Trustees, Miami Township Board of Trustees, and representatives from the Village of Cleves. The special session occurred at 6175 Dry Fork Road. Click here to view the presentation. Note: The 2 mile shelter-in-place in this document was referenced in other reports; however, a 2 mile shelter-in-place was NOT in effect for this incident. 

Mental Health Resources

Mental Health Access Point (referral to many local mental health resources, including the Mental Health and Recovery Resources Board)
       - Public Hotline: 513-558-8888

Independence Alliance (supporting independent living for those with disabilities)
       - Public Hotline: 513-241-2600

Kids Thrive Pediatric Behavioral Health Services
       - While they have one phone number, there are two office locations in the Cincinnati area. The phone and addresses for
         those locations are included below:
                - Phone: 513-740-1001
                          - West Cincinnati location: 5505 Cheviot Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45247
                          - Central Cincinnati location: 7243 Eastlawn Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45237

Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services
       - 24/7 Emergency Hotline: 513-794-3308
       - General #: 513-794-3300