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Fire department responds to leak

PARKERSBURG – Parkersburg Fire Department responded to the minor release of a substance from a rail car around 8 a.m. Thursday, officials said.

Fire Chief Eric Taylor said the rail car was on the tracks near the 100 block of 19th Street. He said the fire department responded as a precaution when there was a potential release of a substance determined to be butyl acrylate and plans to isolate the immediate area.

No threat was discovered and the substance was determined to be what is commonly used in the manufacturing of latex caulking and paint, Taylor said.

“The release was very small and there was not a risk to the public,” he said. “Butyl acrylate is a flammable liquid and we were only there as a precaution; no evacuations were necessary.”

Taylor said the incident was first reported by the railroad crew as it was moving the cars.

“It is my understanding that the release originated from a fitting or a vent on the top of the car,” Taylor said. “As of 10:30 (a.m.) maintenance crews had responded and completed the repair.”

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