Re: Brief History of Environmental Problems/Disasters

[Bill Bilkovich <bilko@vistech.net>]

I believe that freighter blew up in the harbor of Texas City, TX after 
smouldering for a couple of days.  I have seen film of it smoking and 
exploding.  The force of the explosion was monumental.  I would be 
interested in hearing what effect it had on industrial safety.

Don't forget the aldicarb oxime release in Institute,WV just after 
Bhopal.  When the investigation revealed that methyl isocyanate (the 
chemical released in India) was in use in Institute the public realized 
they had no idea what chemicals were in their communities.  Institute was 
probably a stronger driver for SARA Title III than Bhopal.

Bill Bilkovich, EQC
3651 Cherry Bluff Ln
Tallahassee, Fl 32312-1001
Fax 904-894-2480 Voice 904-894-2780
bilko@vistech.net


On Thu, 20 Mar 1997, Kirsten Rosselot wrote:

> Don't forget about the accident at Union Carbide's plant in Bhopal.  It 
> was largely in response to that accident that we have our community 
> right-to-know laws and the TRI.
> 
> There was a huge explosion on a freighter carrying ammonium nitrate (??)
> in paper bags off the coast of Texas during I believe WWII (organic matter
> + the ammonium nitrates made an explosive mix much like the one used in
> the OK City bomb) that had an impact on safety perceptions and practices
> in the US.  I would suggest you read the January issue of Chemical
> Engineering Progress.  It's the journal's 50th Anniversary Issue and they
> got several of the original subscribers to write articles on the history
> of chemical engineering.  It's fascinating reading.  And I'm a nerd. 
> 
> Good luck.
> 
> ====================================================================
>  Kirsten Sinclair Rosselot, P.E.                   Process Profiles 
>                                                       P.O. Box 8264 
>  1-818-878-0454                            Calabasas, CA 91372-8264
>  rosselot@netcom.com                                         U.S.A.
> A==================================================================== 
> > 
> > Would appreciate help for putting together slides for Powerpoint presentation.
> > 
> > To stress importance of and driving influence of "business risk" would like to 
> > create a short list of environmental problems and disasters (Donora,PA-1912; 
> > Love Canal 1942-1977; Exxon Valdez-1989; etc.) that "encouraged" public action, 
> > laws, regulations, etc.
> > 
> > Your help in developing a meaningful list would be appreciated.  Send to:
> > stephens.glenn@a1.dep.state.pa.us
> > 
> > Thanks!
> > 
> > 
> > 
> 
>