(The following editorial appeared on The Daily Advertiser website on November 7.)
LAFAYETTE, La. — There is finally a plan to clean up a contaminated site in Eunice caused by a railway accident more than seven years ago. It will probably not be implemented until next year.
The accident happened in May 2000 when 34 cars jumped the track, resulting in explosions, a fire and – worst of all – a chemical spill. Several hazardous chemicals were documented in the soil at the derailment site, but the main concern has been dichloropropane, which is used to make other chemicals, such as gasoline, insecticides and paper coatings.
It took two years for the state Department of Environmental Quality to determine the “probable'” cause of the derailment – a damaged track and ineffective inspection procedures.
Eunice officials had openly expressed distrust of DEQ by the time the information was released.
Now, it apparently will be eight years before the remaining decontamination begins, and another year – at least – before it is completed.
The area to be treated is the ground beneath the tracks. Tons of dirt that had absorbed hazardous chemicals were hauled away after the wreck, but we have heard no reason why it has taken seven years to get around to the ground under the tracks.
The decontamination plan calls for treating the dirt on site, using a process that encourages microorganisms to break down the contaminants. The plan was submitted by the railway company Union Pacific.
Tom Harris, DEQ’s administrator of environmental technology, says it is a process that occurs slowly and steadily in nature.
The word “slowly'” seems applicable to every process used in response to the accident and its consequences.
The manner in which the process can be speeded up is unique. It consists of injecting organic carbon in the form of molasses or cheese whey. Fast as molasses?
Despite the peculiarity of the process, we accept the fact that it has been used successfully in other areas of the country. Anyway, DEQ has a backup plan. If the microorganisms don’t break down the contaminants, or if molasses or cheese whey don’t speed up the process, removal of the soil might be considered.
All things considered, it appears the site may be cleaned up in about 10 years.
The derailment brought us face-to-face with the dangers of living in a state that is a major corridor for transporting hazardous materials. State police estimate that 40 percent of such materials used in the U.S. pass through Louisiana.
Citizens need assurance that every inch of rail is in sound condition, every mechanical device on every train in good working order and every worker fully trained, physically capable and free of alcohol and drugs.
Judging by the rate at which positive things have happened in regard to the Eunice catastrophe, that might be accomplished during the lives of our great-great-grandchildren.