On 03 Feb 05 Meridian Southern Railroad had a derailment of a locomotive due to a flash flood. The locomotive had damage to the fuel tank releasing several hundred gallons of diesel to a ponded area approximately 200 yards from the Chickasawhay River. Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) responded and confirmed an on-going release due to the inability to reach the fuel tank based on the location of the derailment. OSC Ullock was dispatched to provide over sight of the environmental cleanup.
On Feb. 04, 2005 OSC Ullock was dispatched to respond to this incident. Upon arrival OSC Ullock met with the MSDEQ Responder,the Responsible Party and the clean up contractor.
OSC and MSDEQ walked the impacted unnamed tribuatry. In addition to the reported diesel fuel spill, a small, undetermined amount of 40wt. motor oil also leaked from the locomotive. This oil has sunk into and along the gravel banks.
OSC Ullock issued the Railroad a LOFI. OSC and MSDEQ spoke with railroad owner in New York State and received a verbal commitiment that Meridian Southern will carry out the clean up until complete. Meridian Southern has signed a ER contract with the USES environmental clean up contractor. USES is on-scene and will continue with the clean up until complete.
USES has completed the environemntal clean up associated with this incident. Creek boom has been left in place in several locations to capture any remaining fuel that will seep from the ballast and creek sediment.
Meridian Southern Railroad is currently working with RJ CORMAN and KELLY BROTHERS to construct a temporary road and recover the locomotive from the ravine. The temporary road is being installed in order to gain access to both sides of the locomotive with two sidewinder D-8's.
Meridian Southern has been instructed to continue with spot treatment of any oil they discover during the recovery phase and after significant rain events. Meridian Southern has been given two bales of absorbent pads to accomplish this peridoic clean up.
MSDEQ along with continued EPA Region 4 support, will continue to monitor the impacts associated with this incident.
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