On July 25, San Bernardino County Fire Department Hazardous Materials responded to a leak of liquid from a filled tank car in a railyard at Etiwanda Avenue and Slover Avenue in Fontana. A medic engine also responded.

On scene, Haz Mat specialists worked with railroad employees to determine that the leaking liquid was “alkyl polyethoxylate, ” a component used in cleaning and degreasing materials. Under normal conditions, this chemical is stable and has minimal toxic effects, but under some conditions, this chemical can degrade into nonylphenols, which have toxic effects on humans, animals and the ecosystem. The Haz Mat specialists stopped the leak and supervised the subsequent cleanup of the chemical, which had leaked into the ground.

Responders included the crew of HazMat 74, led by Captain Ken Munsey and the crew of Medic Engine (ME) 73, led by Captain John Lansing.

The cause of the leak was failure to insert a plug for shipping in top unloading valves. There were no citations issued as a result of this incident.
 

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