Train's toxins harm river
Wildlife in peril as derailed cars fall into canyon, spill chemical

Richard Chu
CanWest News Service
August 6, 2005

VANCOUVER -- Salmon, birds and other wildlife around the Cheakamus River have been seriously threatened by the spilling of 50,000 litres of a toxic chemical after a CN train derailed Friday morning.

"There has been a fish kill and associated damage to the aquatic habitat resulting from this spill," the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority said.

CN said that a 144-car train bound for Prince George from North Vancouver derailed around 7:15 a.m. about 30 kilometres from Squamish. No injuries were reported. Investigators are looking for the cause of derailment.

One of the derailed cars was loaded with 51,000 litres of sodium hydroxide, a highly corrosive liquid used to make artificial fabrics and paper.

The tank car was one of eight that tumbled down a steep embankment. It broke open, spilling most of its contents into the Cheakamus River, a B.C. Environment Ministry official said.

"It's harmful to aquatic life and certainly with the corrosiveness, there's concern for any immediate contact in the area with the material," said emergency response officer Harold Riedler.

CN was assessing how to remove the remaining chemicals from the damaged tank car and also how to clean residue along the riverbank, said Riedler.

Vancouver Coastal Health Authority issued an advisory telling residents to not drink, swim or eat any fish or wildlife from the river until clean-up of the spill is complete.

Tour operator Evan Phillips of Canadian Outback Adventures said he and other tour operators in the area have been told to cancel all activities on and along the river until at least Monday. He said the accident comes at the worst time as August is peak season for area tour operators. In the long term, Phillips said the effects of the spill could seriously affect eco-tourism.