News Releases from Region 05

U.S. Responds to Galena Train Derailment

Chicago, Illinois (March 6, 2015) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is responding to the derailment of a BNSF freight train that occurred near Galena, Illinois on March 5th. EPA is conducting air monitoring, taking water samples, assessing environmental damage and setting up booms to protect nearby waterways from oil leaking from the rail cars. So far, air monitors have detected airborne particles typically associated with fires but no chemicals.

EPA has established a command post near the scene of the incident and is serving as the Federal On Scene Coordinator for federal agencies involved in the emergency response and coordinating work with state and local agencies.

Updates on the EPA response will be posted at: http://www2.epa.gov/il/galena-train-derailment