EPA to Participate in Ethanol Emergency Response Training
A group of emergency response coordinators from EPA will take part in several ethanol emergency response training sessions scheduled in seven Missouri cities and one Illinois city through May 14.
Ethanol production is a fast-growing industry in the Midwest. First responders, including EPA on-scene coordinators, need to be prepared to respond to ethanol releases and fires. Fires involving ethanol or ethanol gasoline mixtures pose different hazards than traditional petroleum-based fires. Ethanol is water soluble and can burn with a flame so clear that it can be difficult to see.
The training, to be offered in Rolla, Springfield, Carrollton, St. Joseph, Jefferson City, Laddonia, and Carthage in Missouri, and Sauget, Ill., covers the characteristics of ethanol tank cars, so that responders can quickly identify this equipment. Responders also are given information to help them interpret railway manifests.
Registration details and logistical information about the eight training sessions can be obtained at http://www.transcaer.com/events.aspx.