Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism
Training Support Package
Participant Guide
Slide 35
Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism:
TICs & TIMs
Chlorine Transport in the US
Rail transportation of chlorine and other toxic gases is
common in highly populated cities
Module One – Toxic Industrial Gases as Terrorist Threats
35
This scary-looking photo depicts the transport of a freight car loaded with chlorine gas
making its way through our nation’s capital, literally in sight of the U.S. Capital. The
impact of disruption of this railcar (equivalent to the release from the Graniteville SC
accident) in this large, crowded city would be severe. Since this photo was taken in
2004, hazardous rail transportation through Washington, DC has been curtailed
precisely because of this potential transportation threat and the inability to contain this
danger without rescheduling freight routes of hazardous chemicals.
Making such route change carries its own significant economic and
commerce/scheduling implications of re-routing. The decision in Washington D.C. was
contentious, even post – 9/11. Rerouting of hazardous substances has been limited in
scope and does not apply to most other U.S. cities. This vulnerability continues to be a
major impediment to planning for all communities.
December 2008 Version 2.0 Page 159