WSP04550 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

~~~~0 ~JI~ Information presented in three reports provides an indication of the types of materials frequently transported. The I-week survey by the Colorado State Port of Entry Division noted that 477 trucks transported hazardous materials through southeastern Colorado. It was not known how many of the loads were transported through the upper Arkansas River basin. The survey concluded that the percentage of the total loads carrying hazardous materials had increased from 5.5 percent in 1984 to 6.8 percent in 1985. Flammable liquids, combustible liquids, and flammable gases accounted for 71 percent of the hazardous materials and 71 percent of the loads terminated in Colorado. The top 25 hazardous materials transported by rail in the United States during 1984 are shown in table 4 and indicate that flammable liquids, com- bustible liquids, corrosives, oxidizers, and petroleum materials frequently are shipped. Older records of hazardous materials transported by rail through El Paso County indicate that the same classes of hazardous materials were being transported during 1978 as during 1984. Specific materials included ammonium nitrate, gasoline, caustic soda, hydrochloric acid, and phosphorus pentasulfide. Classes of hazardous materials that are transported in Colorado are flammable liquids and solids including combustibles, nonflammable gases, oxidizers, corrosives, and other regulated materials. Because of the increase in shipments of hazardous materials through Colorado and the Arkansas River basin, the potential for accidental spills has increased. Depending on the specific compounds and the location and the quantity of the spill in the Arkansas River, water-quality problems could occur in Pueblo Reservoir and affect municipal, industrial, or recreational use. Water-quality problems could range from minor inconveniences to major disturbances that have the potential to affect human health. 52