OLYMPIA, Wash. — Possible impacts to people and the environment are big concerns following an incident like the oil train derailment in Custer.
David Byers with the Department of Ecology says their initial investigation hasn’t found any pollution to wetlands or surface water.
He says there hasn’t been any impact to wildlife and there are no injuries among the public, first responders or crews working on recovery and clean-up.
He credits state and federal regulations on oil transport and improvements in tank cars and other rail equipment with helping minimize damage from this derailment.
BNSF Railway has set up a claims hotline for those who have been impacted by the evacuation; find it at our web site KGMI.com.
Last night, Ecology said BNSF inspections would lead to a track opening early this morning for regular service at reduced speeds as cleanup efforts continue.