UTC rail safety team concludes Wallula derailment response

Media contact: 360-664-1116 or [email protected] 

LACEY, Wash. - Rail safety inspectors from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) are investigating a recent train derailment near Wallula, Washington, along the Columbia River, involving five refrigerated railcars.

The derailment occurred at approximately 3:20 a.m. on Nov. 6. One of the five railcars derailed into the river, spilling an estimated 2,600 gallons of diesel fuel from an onboard tank used to operate the refrigeration system.

Diesel fuel is not considered hazardous in this situation, and Union Pacific Railroad immediately deployed clean-up crews and containment measures. Barriers were used to contain the diesel spill, and the clean-up contractor has been working on-site since early Nov. 6. As of Nov. 8, all railcars were re-railed, and cleanup was completed.

The UTC partners with the FRA to help monitor compliance with federal safety standards and respond to rail incidents.

The UTC regulates railroad safety, including approving new rail crossings and closing or altering existing crossings, investigating train accidents, inspecting railroad crossings, approving safety projects, and promoting rail safety education through Operation Lifesaver.
  

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