Title
Train Derailment Emergency Response
Description
This report provides an overview to the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee outlining the preparations of a coordinated public safety emergency response to an incident involving the derailment of a heavy rail train and the potential impacts of a hazardous materials release should one occur within the City of Phoenix.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
Recent national incidents involving heavy rail trains have highlighted the devastation associated with train derailments and the inherent risks to life safety and the community following the release and subsequent exposure of potentially hazardous materials. Incidents such as these emphasize the importance of prevention and preparedness should the City of Phoenix experience a similar incident.
The United States has a comprehensive and interconnected railway infrastructure and is a critical component of the transportation sector under the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP). The use of heavy rail for intermodal transportation is used to supply goods and materials, including hazardous materials, within the U.S. and internationally to both Canada and Mexico. The Federal Railroad Administration reported 518 derailments in 2022 resulting in five injuries, zero deaths, and more than $100 million in property damage. On July 29, 2022, a Union Pacific train derailed while crossing the bridge over Tempe Town Lake resulting in a partial bridge collapse and the release of various hazardous materials resulting in $11 million in damage. Rail emergencies can include derailments, fires, leaks, mechanical failures, collisions and other dangerous situations.
Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) and Union Pacific are the two main railway companies operating within the state of Arizona. BNSF primarily covers the northern half of Arizona and Union Pacific primarily covers the southern part of the state. The City of Phoenix maintains relations and actively partners with BNSF and Union Pacific when planning large scale events at venues such as Chase Field, Footprint Center, and the Phoenix Convention Center.
The City of Phoenix Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Phoenix Fire and Police departments have developed comprehensive plans as part of an “All Hazards” approach to manage a low frequency, high consequence event, such as a train derailment.
The OEM maintains the City’s Emergency Operations Plan in compliance with City Ordinance No G-5695, 2012, and Phoenix City Code section 11-5. In the event of a derailment incident, OEM would coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies as well as private sector stakeholders, such as BNSF and Union Pacific. OEM would engage the appropriate agencies to assess the scope and scale of the incident and implement Incident Command System (ICS) protocols in accordance with department policy. Specialized support from the National Weather Service, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, and both City of Phoenix and Maricopa County Public Health may also be engaged to provide current conditions data to assist with mitigation strategies. OEM would also coordinate with all impacted departments to engage resources and personnel throughout the duration of the incident from operational response, mitigation, and through recovery. The City of Phoenix coordinates with all federal agencies as necessary throughout the investigation ensuring jurisdictional compliance with all affected entities.
Additionally, the Phoenix Fire Department remains ready to respond to train derailments. For example, firefighters in the department's Hazmat program receive specialized training. Components of the Fire Department’s rail emergency response training are conducted in partnership with Union Pacific. This response training provides firefighters the ability to study various types of rail equipment and learn associated mitigation strategies. Their capabilities are sustained through required annual continuing education.
The OEM in coordination with Police, Fire, and other departments have developed strategic and tactical operational strategies to ensure a coordinated response on behalf of the City. OEM remains committed to continually enhancing capacity through resources and personnel, while enhancing our capabilities through training and exercise to deliver the highest level of professional emergency preparedness and response.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays, the Office of Emergency Management, and the Police and Fire departments.