LANSDALE, Pa. - CSX, the rail-based transportation company responsible for a diesel fuel spill at the Lansdale freight train yard on Oct. 25, released a statement Wednesday indicating it is continuing with the cleanup, the Reporter News reports.
CSX spokesman Robert Sullivan said in a press release that the company became aware Sunday afternoon that a spill of about 2,500 gallons had occurred on the tracks behind the Madison Parking Lot near the intersection of Madison and Wood streets.
The Department of Environmental Protection and local officials, including the Fairmount Fire Company, have reviewed the cleanup plans, according to Sullivan.
In addition to committing to the cleanup, CSX will work with the borough of Lansdale to cover its costs in responding to the incident, including the hiring of an independent environmental consultant, Sullivan said.
Sullivan estimated that about 50 gallons of fuel reached a tributary of the Neshaminy Creek. But it has been collected, he added in the press release.
DEP spokeswoman Deborah Fries said by phone that a water quality specialist found only minor impacts to the stream.
According to Sullivan, about 400 tons of affected soil and more than 1,100 gallons of diesel fuel have been recovered.
While heavy rains have continued, (CSX) contractors have continued to monitor and clean up the site, Sullivan said. Any collected material will be disposed of at approved facilities.
Borough Manager Lee Mangan said the rain might prevent CSX from fulfilling its original plan to have the site cleaned up by today, and said that Friday is a more likely date.
SEPTA travel was not affected by the spill nor the cleanup, Mangan said.
(This item appeared in the Reporter News Oct. 29, 2009.)
