COOK- When 14 cars of a 123-car Canadian Northern freight train derailed about seven miles north of Cook on Saturday, July 30, the outcome was as good as could be expected. No one was injured, and there were no leaks or spills of any hazardous materials. CN train traffic was back up and running by the following Monday.
Many of the damaged cars were brought to CN’s Cook location, and two tank cars remain along the east side of N. River St., a black one with a capacity of 33,780 gallons and a smaller white one capable of holding 13,830 gallons. The tanks themselves are intact, but the undercarriages and external structures are heavily damaged or missing altogether. Some residents have questioned whether the work necessary to deal with the contents of the tank cars and to prepare them for disposal might itself pose a potential hazard.
Not to worry, said an unidentified company spokesperson on Tuesday in response to a request by the Timberjay for additional information.
“Once at the CN facility, the residual product in the cars was safely removed and properly disposed of by qualified experts,” the spokeperson said in an email. “CN continuously monitored all work being performed including testing air quality. There is no danger for public safety.”
However, there may be a benefit for future public safety in the event of a hazardous materials spill. CN said that they are currently evaluating options to donate the two tank cars for use at first responder training schools. The company did not provide a date that the tank cars will be removed from the Cook site.