CLARKSBORO, N.J. – The Unified Command today announced that product mixture pumping operations were completed on the breached rail car at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Earlier, acetone had been pumped into the breached rail car to absorb and dissolve vinyl chloride and assist with the pumping process. Following the completion of the pumping operations, a thorough cleaning was performed at 7:40 a.m. on Thursday to eliminate any remaining liquid from the breached rail car.
A 150 ton barge is now being moved into position on the Mantua Creek for the start of site preparation operations. Teams are employing sonar technology to pinpoint the location of any underwater debris and document the site underwater.
“We are making progress with the safe and efficient cleanup operations at the Paulsboro derailment. That safe progress brings us closer to returning evacuees to their homes,” said Capt. Kathy Moore, the Coast Guard incident commander. “Our priority remains the safety of everyone involved – members of the community, federal, state and local officials, and the work crews and technical experts onsite at the derailment.”
Evacuation orders remain in place until Sunday, Dec. 9.
Anyone who has been impacted by the derailment can call the 24-hour community assistance hotline at 1-800-230-7049 for help.
Media may contact the Joint Information Center at 856-423-7624, ext. 125 for more information.