An estimated 43,000 gallons of chemicals spilled into the Lawtell area after a train derailed on Sunday. That's according to new information from Union Pacific.
Although some of the spilled products has been recovered, clean up is still underway, Union Pacific spokeswoman Raquelle Espinoza said.
"We've recovered a significant amount that has been released, and we're removing some from the bayou," Espinoza said.
Union Pacific was developing plans this afternoon on how to treat impacted soil. Espinoza did not know how long clean up would take, but said Union Pacific will stay for the duration.
The spilled chemicals include:
- Dodecanol: Approximately 16,265 gallons
- Lube Oil: Approximately 13,450 gallons
- Corrosive liquid (sodium hydroxide): Approximately 13,500 gallons
Combined, that's enough product to fill two swimming pools. In comparison, during the 2000 Eunice train derailment, 167,685 gallons of flammable liquids and poisons were released.
A cause of the derailment still has not been determined.