March 29, 2024

Railroad says no trace of fuel after derailment

CHARLES CITY (AP) — The Canadian Pacific Railroad says an evaluation shows no trace of fuel following a May derailment east of Charles City.

The Charles City Press reported Wednesday that an evaluation commissioned by the railroad showed no trace of fuel after the May 20 derailment, caused by washed out tracks. Four cars loaded with ethanol, one carrying rocks and three locomotives careened into the Little Cedar River.

About 49,000 gallons of ethanol, up to 400 gallons of diesel fuel and 100 gallons of lube oil leaked.

Railroad spokesman Ed Greenberg said in an email the evaluation now shows no fuel and “no impact to aquatic life.”

The railroad did the assessment voluntarily and will submit it as part of a required 30-day post-spill report to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.