Hazardous materials commodity flow analysis: Warren County, Kentucky

Transportation of hazardous materials across the country's roads and interstates has increased considerably. This is a risk not only to our environment, but also to human life. The US Department of Transportation and US Environmental Protection Agency have guidelines to respond to emergencies involving specific hazardous materials. This study aims to assess the flow of hazardous materials through Interstate 65 (I-65) and William Natcher Parkway (WNP) corridors that pass through Warren County, Kentucky. Also, the transportation of hazardous materials by the railroad through Warren County, adjacent to Western Kentucky University (WKU) was observed as part of this study. A placard survey of all trucks carrying hazardous materials on I-65 (Northbound and Southbound), and WNP along with rail cars transporting hazardous materials by WKU corridor (Northbound and Southbound) was conducted. The maximum flow of hazardous materials on I-65 was observed between 10 AM and 2PM, whereas for WNP it was between 8 am and 11 am. Gasoline, Diesel and other flammable products constituted the most transported hazardous materials. For the railroad Gasoline, Caustic Soda, and Propane were the most transported hazardous materials. We observed that many of incidents on I-65 and WNP occurred at junctions of these two roads, highlighting the need for LEPC to pay special attention to this area. Based on this study, it is recommended that Local Emergency Planning Commission train its emergency responders to be familiar with ERG Guidebook and the corresponding guide numbers of the most commonly transported materials. This study would help further the efforts of LEPC to prepare for emergency situations involving the transportation of hazardous materials across county lines.