Thu November 1, 2012 So Far, No Sign of Widespread Air, Surface
Water Contamination From Chemical Spill Regulators are still
working to extinguish a fire at the site of the train derailment
and chemical spill in southwest Jefferson County. But work has
also begun to determine the environmental and health effects of
the toxic chemicals that have already leaked. Both butadiene and
styrene monomer have spilled near the site, and environmental
regulators are there to determine the extent of the damage. It’s
believed the fire is caused by residual butadiene left in its
tank, and a lot of the environmental work is on hold until the
fire is extinguished. Vast quantities of water are necessary to
fight the fire, but that water has caused additional
complications for those trying to contain the toxic chemicals
from spreading. Kevin Strohmeier is an environmental inspector
with the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection. He
says contractors dug retention areas near the site to catch the
water, but: “That was