(The following letter from BNSF appeared on the Daily Advertiser website on May 19.)
LAFAYETTE, La. — Burlington North Santa Fe Railway issued the following today:
To the citizens and businesses of Lafayette, Louisiana:
BNSF sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience that may have been caused due to derailment and evacuation on May 17, 2008.
The safety of the local residents has been our first priority. BNSF would like to thank the following agencies and organizations for their hard work and dedication:
· Louisiana State Police
· Lafayette City Police and Fire Departments
· Lafayette Public Works and Utilities
· Lafayette Parish Consolidated Government
· Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office
· City of Scott Police
· Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
· Louisiana State Department of Health and Hospitals
· American Red Cross
The spilled product has been neutralized and contained, and residents are back in their homes. The State Department of Health indicated that air levels are below occupational standards and community exposure guidelines.
While there is no real public health risk, BNSF will be performing limited environmental testing in selected homes within the precautionary evacuation area to confirm that there are no legitimate health concerns for affected residents.
Again, BNSF understands that this situation has affected many people and local businesses. We will do everything possible to be responsive to those who have been inconvenienced, and we intend to resolve your claims promptly and fairly.
BNSF has established a claims center in the Mardi Gras Ballroom at the Cajundome. The claims center will be open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please bring proof of residency and record of payment for hotel rooms, meals or transportation costs during the evacuation.
If you are a business owner, please visit www.bnsf.com/lafayette
If you need further information, please call 800-326-5999. We look forward to helping you with your issues and concerns.