(The Lincoln Journal-Star posted the following Associated Press article to its website on August 6.)
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Council members have voted to submit a claim to Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for a November 2000 derailment and chemical spill.
Five tank cars ruptured in the derailment, spilling about 100,000 gallons of benzene in Scottsbluff.
A dozen lawsuits have been filed against BNSF and Montana Rail Link, which inspects trains owned and operated by the railroad.
Those lawsuits accuse the companies of being negligent for not properly inspecting and repairing defects that caused the derailment.
Mayor Dave Boeckner said the city felt it needed to begin the claim process even though there is more than a year to the filing deadline.
He would not say how much the city will request.
The derailment forced the evacuation of a large area of Scottsbluff.
Benzene is a chemical found in gasoline, diesel and other fuels. Short-term exposure to high levels of benzene can cause drowsiness, dizziness, unconsciousness and even death.