STATE POLICE RESPOND TO SPILL AT DARIEN REST AREA

                        On 09/19/2010, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Troop G patrols were dispatched to a hazardous materials leak at the northbound Darien rest area on I-95.  It was reported that a tractor trailer was leaking some kind of liquid from the trailer.  Upon arrival placard #2014 (Hydrogen Peroxide) was identified on the truck by Troopers. 

                        The driver (Jouharian V. Khatchik of 3320 E. Orange Grove Blvd. Pasadena, CA., DOB 04-10-64) stated that he was carrying eighty 55-gallon hydrogen peroxide.  The driver had stopped at the Darien Rest Area and upon getting ready to leave he discovered a liquid leaking from the trailer of his vehicle.  He immediately called 911 after discovering the leak. 

                        The rest area was closed/evacuated immediately per the Darien Fire Chief who was already on scene.  DEP and Ct. Tank Removal also responded for the spill cleanup.  The spill was contained to the immediate area around the rear of the trailer.  It was later determined that the load of barrels had shifted inside of the trailer.  A 4x4 piece of wood along the floor of the trailer was up against one end of the barrels.  The barrels pushed it over and a nail penetrated one of the barrels causing the leak.  The DOT provided sign trucks for the closer of the rest area.  The entire rest area closed for appoximately four hours; the truck lot remained closed until the remainder of the clean up completed and reopened at 8:30 p.m.  There were no injuries to the driver or any emergency personnel that responded to the scene. 

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Lt. J. Paul Vance