Amount of fuel released in CSX train derailment still under investigation, DEQ says
VENN
NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The amount of fuel released into New Kent County wetlands remains unknown as multiple agencies continue to investigate a CSX train derailment that occurred in the Providence Forge area on Saturday.
At around 3:10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, a CSX train derailed with 2 locomotives and 53 cars carrying coal near S. Mont Castle Road and Barnetts Road, according to a spokesperson with CSX Police.
Additionally, two of the derailed locomotives lost an unknown amount of diesel fuel, prompting authorities to deploy environmental containment measures.
New Kent County train derailment (Photo Courtesy of New Kent County Sheriff's Office)
New Kent County train derailment (Photo Courtesy of New Kent County Sheriff's Office)
8News reached out to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) after being advised that the agency was involved in the investigation alongside the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
As of 4:32 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27, a DEQ spokesperson said that officials with both the DEQ and the EPA remain at the location of the incident, "in order to monitor response activities."
"In addition to recovery and repair of damaged rail infrastructure, CSX is focusing on containment and recovery of spilled diesel fuel," the spokesperson said. "At this time, DEQ observes that CSX is implementing all appropriate containment and recovery measures for the fuel release. The amount of diesel fuel released is still under investigation."
Multiple trains between Richmond and Newport News were closed over the weekend as a result of the derailment, followed by an announcement by Amtrak Virginia on Monday that all train service to Williamsburg and Newport News has been suspended until further notice.
Amtrak Virginia also said that arrangements have been made for alternate bus transportation for impacted customers, who should receive contact directly. Those affected are urged to check their email, text messages or Amtrak app for updates.
This is a developing story, stay with 8News for updates.
