Updated Story: March 20, 9:00 a.m.
The Canadian National Railway Company (CN) says crews are working on containing and cleaning the diesel fuel that leaked into the Skeena River after Monday’s train derailment near Port Edward.
The company says it is working with the Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC) to contain the spill by deploying a mobile skimmer vessel. CN added that a vacuum truck is also being deployed while on-site crews continue fuel collection and containment efforts.
CN believes that the bulk of the leaked diesel fuel is trapped in the mud, however some fuel did enter the water as a visible sheen can be seen at the nearest culvert outfall.
Updated Story: March 19, 10:00 a.m.
Despite originally reporting that no leaks occurred after Monday’s train derailment near Port Edward, the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) is now reporting that the locomotive has leaked diesel fuel into the Skeena River.
The company has reopened the rail line, but continues to clean up the site, said a CN spokesperson.
“CN has resumed train operations following the March 16 derailment caused by a mudslide near Port Edward, British Columbia. CN crews remain on site as cleanup and restoration activities continue.”
The company added that following the recovery of the locomotive about 1,000 litres of diesel fuel leaked out of the fuel tank and measures have been implemented to prevent further spread of fuel.
“During recovery efforts to right the locomotive, it was confirmed that diesel fuel from the locomotive’s tanks was released. Containment and recovery measures were implemented and remain in place, including the use of absorbents, floating booms, skimmers, and earthen berms. There has been no bulk release of fuel. A light sheen was observed on the water in the immediate vicinity of the derailment site, and monitoring and recovery is ongoing.”
CN added that it continues to work with its partners to clean up the site.
“CN continues to work closely with Indigenous communities, regulatory agencies and local governments throughout the recovery and site restoration process.”
Updated Story: March 18, 8:45 a.m.
The Canadian National Railway Company (CN) provided an update to Monday’s train derailment near Port Edward.
CN said that 27 empty grain cars were derailed by a landslide on Monday, the landslide continued activity into the night and crews will now begin clearing debris. CN conducted a helicopter overflight on Tuesday to assess the site and ensure safe operations in the area where crews will be working.
CN said crews pulled back several non-derailed cars on Monday night and Tuesday morning which has allowed them to access the site of the landslide, affected track and cars. Additionally CN received equipment and material on Monday night to aid the cleanup process.
At this time, CN says its priority is to deal with the four derailed cars on the ocean side, closest to the water. The locomotive was also derailed but has since been substantially dug out. CN says work on the locomotive is expected to take significant time as careful, slow-paced work is required to assess the condition of the locomotive’s diesel tank prior to rerailing.
CN is working with environmental partners including the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and has submitted an emergency Fisheries Act Authorization application on Monday. The full scope of work has not yet been determined to clean up the site.
Updated Story: March 17, 10:15 a.m.
Following Monday’s train derailment, the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) has been working to clean up the site.
The train was derailed because of a landslide, however no spills or injuries were reported, said a CN spokesperson.
“CN crews worked safely through the night at the site of the derailment, caused by a mudslide, that occurred Monday afternoon near Port Edward, British Columbia. 27 empty grain hopper rail cars and one locomotive are currently being reported as derailed in various positions. There are no dangerous goods, fires, or injuries, nor is there any threat to the public as a result of this derailment.”
Prince Rupert Ground Search and Rescue (PRGSAR) was dispatched to the scene and said current weather conditions have heightened the risk of landslides, said PRGSAR
“The current atmospheric river is bringing heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt to the North Coast, making the terrain exceptionally unstable. The saturated ground has increased the risk of landslides, and we advise everyone to exercise caution near steep slopes and coastal roads. Please stay clear of the derailment area as conditions remain unpredictable. Stay safe and stay dry.”
CN said work is expected to continue and the company will provide more information when it becomes available
Original Story: March 16, 4:00 p.m.
The Lax Kw’alaams Band Council said the Canadian National Railway Co. informed it that a landslide caused a train derailment within its territory.
The council said several rail cars derailed but no dangerous goods spilled and no leaks or injuries have been reported.
The landslide remains active and poses a risk to anyone approaching the area. Residents are advised to avoid the site.
More information will be released as it becomes available.
