Shippers often can bring analytical tools into use where they are needed 

 to assist in determining the extent of the environmental damage. If a load 

 of oil is spilled, it is fairly evident what has happened. If water soluble 

 materials enter a waterway, it is frequently very difficult to trace these 

 without instrumentation unless the contaminants have strong identifying odors 

 or colors. In this area, the shippers, backed by their knowledge of the pro- 

 fessional decontamination companies, can provide expertise to supplement that 

 available to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and other Federal and 

 State agencies which would be called to the scene of such incidents. 



The frequency with which you will encounter "chemical" spills will pro- 

 bably be markedly lower than for oil. A study some years ago showed that 

 movements of gasoline alone exceeded the largest volume chemical by a factor 

 of 20. When crude, heating, and other oils are included, it is logical to 

 expect much less total activity in chemicals. But, as the volume decreases, 

 the complexity of handling increases. 



The chemical industry, through Chemtrec and the company resources, is 

 working to assist in reducing the effects of transportation emergencies and 

 spills. 



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