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El Cajon Train Derailment

SSC Evening Report - Feb. 06, 1996 -  - On-Scene: - Scott Stolz CASSC -  - Situation
Update: - •  Work continued today with heavy equipment pulling apart train car wreckage
and separating debris.  Fires would occur as smoldering flammable materials were exposed.
When these fires would become too hot, or too close to the ongoing operations, the
equipment would pull back, and fire suppression operations would then be conducted by
waiting fire teams.  -  - •  Meetings were held, concerning sampling results, and the RP
contractor's strong desire to downgrade the level of PPE within the work areas.
Convincing cases were made by the data gathered at sites within and outside the designated
Hotzones.  Emphasis was placed the improved speed and safety of the operations, which
would expedite the removal of the contaminates from the waterway, and prevent, with a
change of weather, the driving of the contaminants into the water table.  It was
eventually decided by the Unified Command that although sampling data alone may seem to
indicate the ability to down grade, there is too little known about the fate of the
variety of released chemicals, the possibility of remaining chemicals, and the character
of the yet unexposed remaining wreckage and surrounding soil. As the site becomes less
dynamic and better characterizations can be obtained, the decision will be revisited.-  -
•  Contaminated soil removal continues, and stockpiles are established.  Contaminant
profiles for waste soil removal and disposal are pending.-  - •  New roadways and level
areas were constructed in preparation for the hauling out, decon, and cutting up and
removal of the rail cars.The operational plans for this action is also pending. -  -  -
Contact Information: - Command Post- Morman Rock Forestry Station - (619) 249-3177 -  -
The CDF Mobil Communication Center has been demobilized, taking with it the only FAX and
other phone line.  Options are being addressed for establishing another command center.
Cellular phone may be the best contact method until then. -  - SSC cellular (310)721-1765
-  - SSC at Ramada (909) 887-3001 room 212 - FAX (909)  880-3792