At a glance
In 2019, a natural gas transmission line exploded in Lincoln County, Kentucky. ATSDR surveyed residents and responders. Then, ATSDR made recommendations for a future response.
Background
On August 1, 2019, a natural gas transmission pipeline extending from Texas to Pennsylvania exploded in Lincoln County, Kentucky. The event released 66 million cubic feet of natural gas and burned 30 acres of surrounding land and structures. The explosion and subsequent fires destroyed 5 homes and damaged 14 others. One resident was killed, 6 were hospitalized, and over 70 were evacuated.
Approach
In response, the Kentucky Department of Public Health, and ATSDR collaborated to investigate the event’s effect on human health.
The ACE team conducted an Epi-Aid working with state and local health departments in Kentucky to:
- Evaluate environmental data and emergency response procedures.
- Collect critical data via the ACE Toolkit.
- Interview residents and responders.
Results
- Many residents surveyed experienced both physical (68.3%) and mental (64.2%) symptoms; but sought care (35.8% and 13.3%, respectively).
- Many first responders (43%) didn't wear personal protective equipment (PPE), although it was available (89%). Many reported physical (49.5%) or mental (26.7%) symptoms. Few sought health care (17.1% physical and 3.8% mental). Many who didn't seek healthcare continued having symptoms (39%) when interviewed.
Published results are available in the manuscript: The Occupational Health Effects of Responding to a Natural Gas Pipeline Explosion Among Emergency First Responders – Lincoln County, Kentucky, 2019
Recommendations
Future emergency responders should:
- Ensure the emergency communications plan includes plans for communicating with community leaders, multiple jurisdictions, and multiple agencies.
- Conduct tabletop exercises incorporating other community leaders, jurisdictions, and agencies where possible.
- Distribute mental health resources and fact sheets to responders and residents.
- Formalize mutual aid agreements to improve future responses.
- Conduct more training on PPE use.
In the case of similar incidents:
- Have early contact with local community crisis response resources and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to provide and connect counseling services to affected persons.
- Provide the community with healthcare and toxicology expertise and assessment resources (e.g., Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units).
Resources
The Occupational Health Effects of Responding to a Natural Gas Pipeline Explosion Among Emergency First Responders – Lincoln County, Kentucky, 2019. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, 16(5), 1997-2004. https://doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2021.266