April 22, 2025
Fire Department
DATE: April 22, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Aaron Osorio, Fire Chief
Rico Rincon, Deputy Fire Chief
Anthony Woodards, Battalion Chief
Den Mark Marcelo, Admin Services Coordinator
Subject:
Purchase Emergency Rail Kit from All Safe Industries,
Inc.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The total cost of the emergency rail kit is approximately $14,000. Funding for this expenditure is included in
Fiscal Year 2024-25 Fire Department budget (Account
String: 01204022-400384).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The Richmond Fire Department intends to purchase an
Emergency Rail Kit (ERK) to equip the Hazardous
Materials Response Team (HAZMAT 64). The ERK will
be used during hazardous material incidents such as
leaks from railcars carrying hazardous chemicals.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE the purchase of an Emergency Rail Kit (ERK)
from All Safe Industries, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $14,000, for response and management of hazardous
material leaks – Fire Department (Chief Aaron Osorio
510-307-8021/Deputy Chief Rico Rincon/Battalion Chief
Anthony Woodards 510-620-6989/ Den Mark Marcelo
510-307-8038).
AGENDA
REPORT
April 22, 2025
DISCUSSION:
The City of Richmond is a major hub for rail transport of hazardous materials, including flammable liquids, toxic gases, and corrosive chemicals. Leaks from these railcars pose a significant threat to the community, requiring updated specialized containment tools to manage such incidents effectively. Considering these risks, the Richmond Fire Department is requesting approval to purchase the Indian Wells Emergency Response Kit (ERK) to equip the Hazardous Materials Response Team at Fire Station 64 (HAZMAT 64) for responding to hazardous material leaks from a wide range of railcars carrying hazardous chemicals.
The Indian Springs ERK provides industry-standard equipment for sealing and securing leaks in railcars, preventing the escalation of hazardous material spills. The ERK will replace the department’s outdated equipment, a railcar containment kit that was only designed for use on chlorine railcars. In addition, the ERK will be able to contain leaks for both the least frequent but toxic chlorine railcars that come through Richmond, as well as more frequent hazardous chemicals in specialized railcars such as ammonia, diesel, gasoline, crude oil, liquid propane, molten sulfur, and sulfuric acid.
The following are some of the incidents where the ERK will be deployed:
Leaking rail tank cars transporting hazardous chemicals Emergency spill containment where rapid intervention is required Situations where standard containment methods are insufficient or ineffective
It is imperative that the City Council approves this purchase, as the consequences of not having the ERK include:
Increased risk of uncontrolled hazardous material release by rail of toxic chemicals other than chlorine
Greater danger to the residents of Richmond due to prolonged exposure to the leak and/or toxic plume from not being able to contain the damaged railcar Environmental contamination with costly cleanup efforts Not being able to maintain a high level of preparedness and meet the Department of Transportation(DOT) emergency response standards
SYNERGISTIC POLICIES:
This intended purchase aligns with the City Council strategic goal of improving public safety. The ERK is essential for ensuring rapid containment and mitigation of dangerous chemical leaks, thereby enhancing our department’s ability to protect public safety, the environment, and critical infrastructure. Given the daily volume of hazardous chemicals transported by rail traffic through Richmond, the probability of a hazardous material release remains a real concern. Our hazmat team must be prepared to respond effectively and efficiently.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Quote Summary Form