| SCOTTSBLUFF - Western Sugar Co. has filed a claim with the
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad over possible contamination of sugar
valued at about $1.2 million that was stored near a November derailment.
The sugar has a foul odor and has been tested for chemical contamination,
Western Sugar said. Results of those tests were not yet known.
The Nov. 4 derailment in Scottsbluff spilled about 85,000 gallons of
benzene and other chemicals in Scottsbluff and forced evacuation of the
immediate vicinity. The sugar company said its sugar, which was stored
about 3 miles from the derailment site, may have been contaminated by
odors from the spill.
About 90 people turned out Tuesday night for a town hall meeting with
railroad and health officials to discuss effects of the chemical
spill.
A group of toxicologists told the gathering there would be no long-term
health effects from their short-term exposure to benzene, a potentially
toxic chemical.
Air quality measurements and specimen samples from residents taken in
the four weeks after the spill showed the level of exposure to benzene and
other chemicals would not result in long-term health problems, they said.
The railroad said it was continuing to monitor the cleanup area to ensure
benzene levels were within safety standards. |