Marla Jones, Managing Editor
RAINSVILLE, Ala.-- On Thursday, April 6, Rainsville barely avoided another chemical spill, similar to the one that shut down Rainsville on August 18, 2022. This was the same chemical and the same supplier but with a different trucking company hauling the load.
A semi-truck hauling seven totes of organic peroxide, which was not secured in the trailer, shifted to the right, causing a severe uneven weight distribution in the trailer on Alabama Highway 75 S in Rainsville.
Organic peroxide is used in different concentrates in meat and poultry plants. This particular concentrate is used as heating of itself for a fire. It is a strong oxidizer and is highly combustible. Organic Peroxide is harmful if swallowed or inhaled or comes in contact with skin. Some of the symptoms of exposure are irritation to the eyes and nose, nausea, and headache.
Averitt Trucking picked up the sealed container from the supplier, not knowing that the chemical was not secured. The trucking company expressed to Rainsville Fire Chief Willimac Wright, that they have canceled all future pickups with this company until this matter is resolved.
While firefighters were on the scene, the chemical began “off-gassing”. Organic peroxide is to be stored below 82 degrees and on Thursday, the temperature was above 82 degrees in the trailer.
“We had to put on our air packs and splash suits to get the load equalized out enough to move the trailer off the road” stated Chief Wright. “ We later secured the load with the approval from the management of Averitt Trucking.”
Wright stated that he and four full-time firefighters were at the scene for six hours, along with two firemen on stand-by, at the Rainsville Fire Department, dealing with the situation.
“I am extremely proud of how our employees responded and worked with hazmat crews to get the load stabilized and out of the City of Rainsville” stated Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt.
The City of Rainsville is closely working with the insurance carrier to go through the process of repayment for the cost that occurred.
