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Fact Sheet
October 2008
EPA to Oversee Disposal of Hydrogen Cyanide Cylinder, Dighton Cyanide Emergency Response Site, Dighton, Kansas
INTRODUCTION
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 7, will oversee the emergency disposal of a hydrogen cyanide cylinder in Dighton, Kansas the week of October 27, 2008. Dighton is a town with a population of 1,261 located south of Oakley in Lane County, Kansas.
The Kansas Fire Marshall contacted EPA to request assistance with the proper disposal of the cylinder. A company with the technical expertise needed to safely destroy the contents of the cylinder has agreed to perform the disposal. EPA will oversee the disposal process. EPA is coordinating the emergency response with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Lane County Emergency Management, and local fire and police departments.
BACKGROUND
The cylinder was discovered in a shed on a residential property in Dighton by the current owner. The cylinder was left by the former property owner who is now deceased. The current owner contacted the Lane County Emergency Manager for assistance. The county emergency manager transported the cylinder to the county yard where the cylinder is currently secured.
Hydrogen cyanide is a highly toxic volatile liquid which is used for making fibers, plastics, dyes, pesticides and other chemicals. EPA believes that the contents of the cylinder may have been used by the former property owner as a fumigant to kill rats, gophers and/or prairie dogs. Due to the age of the cylinder, the contents are not stable and could pose a threat of explosion and/or fire during transport. Therefore, the cylinder will be demolished at the county yard. The county yard is located in a rural area a quarter mile from any residential or commercial properties.
PROPOSED DISPOSAL ACTION
The company that will demolish the cylinder will place explosive charges on the outside of the cylinder. Then the cylinder will be suspended over a stock tank filled with diesel fuel. The diesel fuel will be ignited and then the explosive charges will be detonated, forcing the cylinder contents into the fire. The fire will consume all of the contents of the cylinder. Wind direction will be reviewed to ensure that the detonation occurs during optimal conditions. Air sampling will be conducted to monitor the smoke plume from the fire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact:
Katy Miley
On-Scene Coordinator
U.S. EPA Region 7
901 N. 5th Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone: 913-551-7916
miley.katy@epa.gov
Dianna Whitaker
Office of Public Affairs
U.S. EPA Region 7
901 N. 5th Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone: 913-551-7003 or
Toll Free: 1-800-223-0425
whitaker.dianna@epa.gov
