Cities' bills in CSX derailment add up to $226K, more expenses to come
The cities of Alcoa and Maryville have submitted expenses amounting to more than $225,000 for a July 1 CSX train car derailment. Aug. 24, 2015
John North, WBIR 6:14 a.m. EDT August 25, 2015
(Photo: WBIR)
(WBIR) The cities of Maryville and Alcoa incurred expenses totaling more than $225,000 responding to the July 1 CSX train car fire, with more estimated expenses still to be submitted by Blount County.
Maryville submitted expenses as of Aug. 17 totaling $175,533.93 to the rail company, according to figures obtained by 10News in a public records request.
Submitted expenses total more than $225,000 from Alcoa and Maryville for a July 1 rail car fire. (Photo: WBIR)
That includes an estimated nearly $70,000 for pay and benefits to cover police and fire personnel who worked the derailment and blaze near Old Mount Tabor Road, figures show. Other submitted expenses include $74,463.72 for Maryville Water & Sewer Department personnel to install a water line on Old Mount Tabor Road.
Alcoa, which also responded to the crisis, incurred about $50,000 in police and fire pay and benefit expenses, figures show. Other expenses included $1,376.17 for public works equipment, pay and benefits, and miscellaneous charges such as food and equipment for $1,208.74, according to figures.
Corporate spokeswoman Kristin Seay could not say Monday afternoon where the reimbursement requests might be from the railroad's perspective.
"CSX is committed to working with affected parties to reimburse costs related to the Maryville derailment," Seay said in a statement to 10News. "We greatly appreciate the swift and professional response from the cities, county and responding agencies. CSX will continue working with the communities until all needs are met."
Some 5,000 people within about two miles of the derailment were directed to evacuate after a single car went off the tracks on the train heading from Cincinnati to Waycross, Ga. just minutes before midnight July 1. The car carried acrylonitrile, a toxic liquid that can cause headaches, dizziness and nausea among other symptoms to those who are exposed.
The Environmental Protection Agency considers it a probable human carcinogen.
Blount Memorial Hospital treated more than 120 people and admitted more than 40 as a result of the spill and fire.
Several lawsuits have already been filed in state and federal courts.
Earlier this month, six Alcoa police officers and four Blount County deputies who helped evacuate residents filed suit against CSX and Union Tank Car Co., alleging they were exposed to toxic smoke and vapors. No one told them about the dangers they faced until they'd already been exposed for a pronounced period of time, they allege. The responders say they suffered throat and eye irritation, coughing and other symptoms.
Displaced residents were forced to find shelter with friends or at area motels. Most couldn't return home for a day and a half. Some left pets at home or found shelters that would take the animals in.
CSX quickly opened a reimbursement center at a Blount County school for citizens who reported they'd suffered financial setbacks as a result of the fire.
Blount County still is compiling estimates for its role in responding to the disaster, according to the Blount County mayor's office.
Agencies or departments that became involved: the Blount County Sheriff's Office, Blount County Fire Department, Blount County Schools for use of a middle and high school and the 911 Center, according to the county.
Mayor Ed Mitchell was out of town Monday. The county could have figures compiled by the end of the week, according to the mayor's office.
Seay, in her statement, said the Jacksonville, Fla.-based company is still taking reimbursement applications from people affected by the derailment and fire.
Members of the community can get an application by calling 1-877-835-5279 or by downloading an application here.
Company personnel are on hand to respond 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, according to Seay.