Three barges, one carrying 1,400 tons of toxic methanol, were accidentally released and got stuck in the Ohio River in Louisville, Kentucky, raising concerns for another health hazard for the people in the wider area.
Local authorities said the accident happened when the three barges—part of a group of eleven—escaped from their tugboat after the boat hit a structure at the entrance to the Portland Canal near the river’s McAlpine Locks and Dam.
“Three barges are pinned against the lower dam site, one barge is pinned against the Louisville and Indiana bridge pier and all other barges were recovered by other vessels in the local area,” according to a news release.
“There remains no evidence of a tank breach or any leaks, and air and water monitoring resources are in place.”
Methanol is a water-soluble, colorless liquid. It evaporates when exposed to air, and dissolves in water. However, it is harmful if ingested or inhaled in sufficient quantities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that methanol is highly toxic to both humans and wildlife. This chemical, classified under the category of “toxic alcohols,” is commonly found in antifreeze, carburetor cleaner, and windshield washer fluids.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working with the U.S. Coast Guard, the navigation industry, and marine surveyors in the recovery efforts of the remaining barges. The locks will remain closed until the barges on the dam are stabilized.
Crews have been on-site since daybreak, further assessing damage and determining operational objectives for the next 12–24 hours.
More than 80 air quality samples have been taken so far and all tests showed no evidence of any hazards that would pose a health risk, though teams are continuously monitoring the situation, according to a Louisville government press release.
“That monitoring will remain firmly in place until the situation is fully resolved. The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the incident. The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet will continue sampling the Ohio River downstream from the dam and will make those results public as soon as available.”
The cargo on the other barges is corn.
Downriver traffic has been stopped, according to Coast Guard spokesperson Chris Davis.
Louisville Water Co. has reported the incident has not triggered an environmental disaster, and the city’s drinking water remains unaffected.
“Your water is safe to drink,” the water agency said in a Facebook post.
No injuries were reported.
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