Cleanup efforts are in full swing following the weekend train derailment in southern Montana, where several cars plunged into the Yellowstone River. Montana Rail Link is collaborating with unions and BNSF Railway to reroute freight traffic, minimizing supply chain disruptions. Contractors and a crane are poised to extract the submerged cars once a finalized plan is in place.
Several cars that remained on the tracks have been safely removed, including two carrying sodium hydrosulfide, whose contents were transferred and secured. Montana Rail Link CEO Joe Racicot confirmed the company's responsibility for all cleanup expenses.
Of the sixteen derailed cars, ten landed in the river. Six cars containing hot asphalt, three with molten sulfur, and one with scrap metal remain in the water near Columbus, Montana. Two of these cars are submerged, prompting the deployment of a dive team for further assessment.
The EPA has invited experts from federal and state wildlife agencies to evaluate the environmental impact on local wildlife. Fortunately, the asphalt and sulfur solidified upon contact with the cold river water and sank. While some asphalt particles have been observed downriver, they are not water-soluble and are not anticipated to compromise water quality.
Water samples collected Saturday revealed no adverse effects on water quality from the derailed materials. Tests indicated no petroleum presence, and sulfur levels matched those found upstream. Results from subsequent samples are pending. The cause of the bridge collapse is currently under investigation. The incident also severed two crucial fiber-optic lines, for which a temporary solution has been implemented.
This incident follows the Ohio train derailment earlier this year, raising concerns about the frequency of railcar inspections. The White House is actively monitoring the situation in Montana and has pledged to provide necessary federal assistance. The Department of Transportation is also exploring preventative measures to address future derailment risks.
