Hazardous Materials Hotline©
September 19, 2025
Pipeline Advisory Committee Members Sought
The Federal Register posted that PHMSA is seeking members for the Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee and the Technical Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards Committee
Discussion: Both committees provide critical input in maintaining and improving the safety and efficiency of hazardous materials pipelines within the United States. Jurisdictions with pipelines should consider applying for membership and become familiar with the committees and their members.
NTSB Accident Report
The National Transportation Safety Board released a report on the September 2023 crash involving the release of anhydrous ammonia in Teutopolis, IL.
Discussion: The report highlights the hazards associated with anhydrous ammonia and reinforced the importance of incident command during the response process. As with CSB reports, NTSB hazardous materials incident reports provide information for improving community safety and can support training, exercises, and emergency planning.
Upcoming Training
There are many training and education opportunities coming up, including: Hot Zone (Houston, TX), Florida Hazardous Materials Symposium (Daytona Beach, FL), Hazardous Materials Instructors and Commanders Conference (San Antonio, TX), NASTTPO Mid-Year Conference (Rogers, AR), National Radiological Emergency Preparedness (Kansas City KS), and on-line CAMEO Training. In addition, the National Fire Academy has opened applications for its winter quarter.
Discussion: Balancing training and education continue to challenge responders and communities with cost and staffing needs, however, they serve as the cornerstone of planning, response, and risk reduction.
Chemical Safety Board
The CSB is investigating several recent incidents involving facilities, released a new video highlighting the importance of safety at facilities, and another video reviewing the Intercontinental Terminal Fire.
Discussion: The CSB continues to provide critical, risk reduction services with a focus on improving safety for facilities and communities. Emergency planners, risk reduction personnel, and responders should utilize these reports and findings to lower risk and improve response.
EPA News
The Environmental Protection Agency has released information related to PFAS/PFOS remediation, implemented a new portal for accessing guidance documents, and released the 2023 Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) and 2024 preliminary TRI.
Discussion: The EPA continues to serve as a crucial link in improving the health and safety of communities and providing information to assist emergency planners, public health, and emergency responders.
Lithium-Ion Battery Fire and Failure Report
A recent report on the rate of failure of Lithium-Ion batteries involved in fires continues to identify unexpected hazards associated with batteries.
Discussion: As lithium-ion technology continues to evolve and expand, the number of incidents involving batteries will increase, challenging responders to develop methods for addressing their hazard while reducing risk to themselves and the communities they serve.
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About the Author:
Dave Donohue is a hazardous materials course developer, educator, and trainer with experience at the local, regional and national level. He is also a Master Exercise Practitioner, firefighter, and emergency manager.
