On November 30, 2012, a daily freight train running on Conrail Shared Assets Operations Penns Grove Secondary derailed in Paulsboro, a borough with an industrial and maritime economy, in Gloucester County, New Jersey.

[10] Four tanker cars containing vinyl chloride fell into the creek; one tank was breached.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has described the chemical as having an odor that can be described as sweet and mild.

[8][13][14][4][11] Thousands of Paulsboro residents sued Conrail, the operator of the bridge over Mantua Creek.

[15] In subsequent interviews residents alleged that Conrail paid them off to prevent them from seeking more money in the event that they developed illnesses later.

Additionally, area residents criticized Governor Chris Christie for giving inadequate attention to Paulsboro's environmental problems and that he concentrated more of his attention on Hurricane Sandy (which struck New Jersey on October 28–29).

[12] Area Congressional Representatives Rob Andrews (NJ 1st-D) and Frank LoBiondo (NJ 2nd-R) visited the area and expressed concern and surprise that federal, state or local laws require public oversight of private safety inspection procedures.

[7] The National Transportation Safety Board in a public hearing faulted the first responders for their actions.

[18] In March 2013, Conrail announced that the bridge would be replaced with an expected September 2014 operational date.

Normally, between March 1 and November 30 the bridge would be left in the open position for maritime traffic and closed when trains approach.