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SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) -- Tests on sugar at the local Western Sugar plant
found no contamination after a train derailment spilled 80,000 to 100,000
gallons of a petroleum byproduct in the area.
Western Sugar filed a claim with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad
over the possible contamination of 5 million pounds -- or 2,500 tons -- of
sugar, valued at $1.2 million.
An 18-car train derailment Nov. 4 sent a cloud of noxious fumes over part
of the city as tens of thousands gallons of a petroleum byproduct containing
40 to 50 percent benzene and 12 other chemicals spilled. More than 1,000
people voluntarily left their homes the night of the spill, and authorities
evacuated about 400 homes the next day.
The sugar company said its sugar, which was stored about three miles from
the derailment site, may have been contaminated by benzene vapors or odors
from the spill.
Benzene was detected in all five sugar samples taken from the plant but
not at a level any higher than in naturally occurring situations, Nebraska
Department of Agriculture spokesman George Hanson said.
A letter from the state agency said its opinion was that ag commodities
in the area were not adversely impacted by the derailment spill.
Western Sugar's attorney said the firm was reviewing the information and
reserved comment on whether the company would withdraw its claim. |