Two engines and 15 railcars derailed along the Mississippi near Dubuque Wednesday morning. Three tankers carrying ethanol caught fire and at least eight leaked their contents into the ground and River. One railcar was still burning by 8 a.m. the next morning. Thankfully no one was hurt. Clean-up is continuing, and has been difficult due to the location and winter conditions.
Between photos, helicopter video footage, and interviews, the news links below provide different insights into what a derailment into the Mississippi River involves.
- Ethanol from derailed train leaked into Mississippi
- Update: Ethanol from derailed train leaking into Mississippi
- Tracks reopened near Dubuque following derailment
- Mississippi River ethanol spill; more threat to wildlife than humans
- Local advocacy group speaks out after Iowa train derailment
This derailment starkly illustrates the need for a broad environmental study before expansion in the La Crosse Marsh near the Mississippi River - and the need for changes in federal laws regulating tankers, infrastructure, inspections, etc. See our attached press release for more information.
Thanks again to all who participated in the Wis. DNR hearing. About 200 people attended and 82 submitted comments to the DNR. We will keep you appraised of the results.
A final note: Midwest Environmental Advocates (MEA) is a non-profit law center in Madison that helps citizens protect air, water, and land for this generation and the next . We have been very grateful for their assistance and encourage anyone with the interest to make a donation - large or small - to help them as they help us! Check out and/or contribute to Midwest Environmental Advocates here
Karen Ringstrom on behalf of CARS (Citizens Acting For Rail Safety)
