The impacted soil will be disposed of in an EPA approved landfill and the excavated area has been backfilled with clean soil. Air, water and soil sampling and testing continues in the area.
The Environmental Protection Agency says the chemical acrylonitrile has been detected, dissolved in the water column, in Culton Creek. No free product was seen floating on the surface water. Officials on Sunday issued an advisory to stay away from the creek between Old Mount Tabor Road and Hall Road after 40 to 50 dead fish were found in the creek.
Protection and sampling operations have now been expanded from the derailment site all the way to the Tennessee River. Three aeration treatment systems were installed in the two mile segment of creek nearest the derailment.
“We’ve removed the source. It’s a one time event. Any residual material is going to quickly move through the system and further decrease the impact on aquatic life,” said Kevin Eichinger from the EPA.
Some people living along the creek are still concerned.
“Well, my biggest concern is the creek runs through our property where our horses eat and donkeys get their water from,” said Carol Prats. “If the accident was above us and the fish kill is below us, I’m concerned what it’s going to do to my animals.”
There continue to be no reported issues with private well water in the area and no adverse effects to the air have been detected.
Around 5,000 people were evacuated early Thursday morning when a trail car containing the chemical acrylonitrile derailed and caught fire. The train was en route from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Waycross, Georgia. The car was one of 57 on the train The flames were put out Thursday night and residents were allowed to return home Friday afternoon.
After track restoration and inspection, normal train operations resumed Monday at noon. Middlesettlements Road
CSX’s Community Outreach Center at Heritage Middle School will remain open through Friday. The center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and noon to 5 p.m. on Friday.
Community members seeking compensation should bring photo identification, proof of address, receipts for costs incurred and an employer letter if seeking lost wages. After the Community Outreach Center closes, residents can request an application for compensation by calling 1-877-TELLCSX (1-877-835-5279) or by downloading an application here.
Residents can also call the CSX Community Resource Hotline at 1-800-331-4031 or 1-866-812-9565 for health-related inquiries.