Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Officials warn against well water use near CSX train chemical fire site in Maryville, Tennessee


Posted: July 07, 2015
 
MARYVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -

Officials are advising residents against the use of well water in the area where a CSX train car carrying hazardous material derailed and caught fire in east Tennessee.

The Environmental Protection Agency and state and local officials said Tuesday that a well water sample within about 350 feet of the train derailment site has shown detections of acrylonitrile, a hazardous material used in multiple industrial processes.

The chemical was in a train car that derailed and burned last week in Maryville, leading to the evacuation of about 5,000 residents.

Officials said 10 wells are located in the area, but it was not immediately clear how many homes are affected. Police officers are knocking on doors to locate unidentified wells in the area.

Municipal water supplies are not affected.