A hazardous material release is the contamination of the environment (i.e. air, water, soil) by any material that because of its quantity, concentration, or physical or chemical characteristics threatens human health, the environment, or property. An accidental or intentional release of materials could produce a health hazard to those in the immediate area, downwind, and/or downstream. A hazardous material release can come from a fixed facility or via its transportation through the area.
HazMat Response
The most likely locations for a transportation-related hazardous materials release are on Interstate 90, Highway 191, or the active railways. Interstate 90 crosses northern Gallatin County in an east-west direction. This Interstate is widely used by vehicles transporting hazardous materials. Highway 191, south of the Interstate, connects Interstate 90 to Yellowstone National Park and is used as a shipping route to the park and points south into Wyoming and Idaho. For the most part, the railroad parallels Interstate 90, except for where it goes through the City of Bozeman. Only the east-west railroad sections are currently active with an additional short section used south through Bozeman, and one north to Trident and south again to Willow Creek. The railroad is owned and operated by Montana Rail Link. If a transportation-related release occurred near populated areas or water supplies, serious human impacts could result. Historically, incidents have been small enough to prevent a large evacuation and long-term impacts however, hazardous materials incidents do occur in Gallatin County. Small Hazmat type calls occur regularly, usually involving a petroleum product such as diesel fuel or gasoline.
The probability of a hazardous materials release can only be realistically assessed qualitatively. The history of events in Gallatin County is moderate with sporadic events over the past 20 years, none of which have resulted in a disaster declaration. The exposure, however, is high with Interstate 90 and an active railroad passing within close proximity to critical facilities and Bozeman. The probability of a significant release is considered greater along the railroad since the US Department of Transportation regulates hazardous materials on commercial vehicles, has specific regulations regarding mixed loads and amounts, and provides enforcement, whereas, the railroad system does not have as extensive control measures. Therefore, the probability of a hazardous materials release that would require a significant government and public response is considered high.
How to Prepare
The biggest thing someone can do to prepare for a hazardous materials incident is to have a family emergency plan and a 72 hour emergency kit. While some potential hazardous materials incidents may be more likely due to your proximity to certain facilities, the reality is that a hazardous materials incident can happen anywhere. The expectation for the affected public during a hazardous materials incident is often the opposite of many other incidents in that we will ask you to stay where you are and “Shelter in Place.”
Shelter in Place
Decontamination Tent
During a Hazardous Materials incident our goal is to minimize the communities exposure to the hazardous material. In many situations that affect large areas were are dealing with a chemical in the form of a gas which can spread quickly, but also has a tendency to dissipate in time due to atmospheric conditions. In situations like this the public is often given instructions to Shelter in Place. When Shelter in Place orders are given we do not want people to go outside of any buildings or try to drive out of the area because this potentially exposes them to more of the chemical then staying in doors. During a Shelter in Place emergency you should:
- Bring your family and pets inside.
- Lock doors, close windows, air vents and fireplace dampers to prevent outside air from getting in.
- Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced air heating systems to prevent exchange of outside air.
- Take your emergency supply kit unless you have reason to believe it has been contaminated.
- Go into an interior room with few windows, if possible.
- Seal all windows, doors and air vents with 2-4 mil. thick plastic sheeting and duct tape to help seal the openings. Consider measuring and cutting the sheeting in advance to save time.
- Cut the plastic sheeting several inches wider than the openings and label each sheet.
- Duct tape plastic at corners first and then tape down all edges.
- Duct tape plastic at corners first and then tape down all edges.
- Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.
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