Train Derailment on the West Branch of the UDR – Update #7

Train Derailment on the West Branch of the Upper Delaware River – Update #7

Thanks to everybody who took the time yesterday to send a communication to the train derailment authorities. We just received the following response from the NYSDEC:

From NYSDEC on 8/12:

Statement for attribution to NYSDEC

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) are continuing response efforts concerning the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway (NYSW) train derailment that occurred early Thursday morning in the town of Deposit in Delaware County. As of Monday morning, all engines have been righted and placed on rails. Removal of the freight cars continues. DEC Spills Response staff will continue to assess potential environmental impacts but there are currently no restrictions on the use of the river outside the immediate area of the incident.

While righting one of the engines on Saturday, August 11, the engine’s tank released additional diesel fuel at the site. Remediation of the site is underway. Currently, NYSW and its environmental contractor have excavated the impacted soil. The area where the backwater meets the west branch has been completely boomed off. A slight sheen is visible on the river near the accident site and under the Hales Eddy Road bridge. Water samples were taken of the river and the assessment of the river continues.

ON BACKGROUND
The train was carrying cars with sulfuric acid, radioactive soils containing low levels of alpha radiation, and non-radioactive contaminated soil. However, none of the cars containing hazardous materials were derailed in the accident and there were no releases or spills of hazardous material. “DEC Spill Response continues to monitor NYSW and their environmental contractor at the site. While righting one of the engines on Saturday, August 11, the engine’s tank released additional fuel at the site. DEC is on site assessing potential environmental impacts. A slight sheen was detected at the Hale Eddy Road bridge. The rising river water may also be flushing spilled fuel out of vegetation.”

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We were sent this article that is specific to railroad bridges and NOT directly related to the train derailment on the Upper Delaware River. However, it will give you a sense of the enormity of the challenges associated with train related safety inspections.

http://www.wamc.org/post/schumer-renews-call-more-bridge-inspectors

We are also following up with NYSDEC and federal authorities on pictures we’ve received of a denuded river bank at the site, the details of culvert reparations, and ongoing evidence of injured waterfowl.

We will keep you posted as we learn more.

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